Psychodynamic approach childhood experiences

Question 1

Define what is meant by ‘childhood experiences’

Answer 1

One assumption of the psychodynamic approach is that all children move through 5 stages of psychosexual development.

Question 2

Explain what is meant by ‘childhood experiences’

Answer 2

They move through these stages in the same order.​

The five stages are oral, anal, phallic, latency and genital. ​

At each stage, a child’s energy (or libido) is attached to a body region. ​

If conflict occurs in any stage and is not overcome, fixations can occur. ​

This can lead to behaviours from that stage influencing their adult personality.

Question 3

Examples of ‘childhood experiences’

Answer 3

The anal stage occurs between age 1.5 years – 3 years. Focus is on the anus and pleasure is gained through withholding or expelling faeces. ​

Healthy resolution of this stage is linked to the ability between order and disorganisation

Frustration at this stage can lead to an anal retentive character in adulthood which is characterised by being neat, stingy and organised. ​

Whereas overindulgence at this stage can lead to an anal expulsive character in adulthood which is characterised by being messy and disorganised