Final answer:
The latency period is the stage in Freud's psychosexual development theory during which children from about six years of age to puberty experience dormant sexual feelings as they focus on other areas of growth like learning and socializing.
Step-by-step explanation:
Latency Period in Psychosexual Development:
Freud's psychosexual development theory is an influential but controversial approach to explaining human psychological growth. After the phallic stage, which occurs roughly between ages 3 and 6 and involves the recognition of genital differences and the Oedipus complex, comes the latency period. During the latency period, typically from age 6 to puberty, sexual impulses and psychosexual development are considered dormant as children's focus shifts towards social interactions, acquiring knowledge, and developing skills.
They engage in activities, often with same-sex peers, that help consolidate their gender role identity and do not direct much energy towards sexual development. This stage is crucial for cultural and social development and lays the groundwork for the final stage, the genital stage, which begins at puberty and is characterized by mature sexual interests and desires.