Question

Sigmund Freud believed that infants fixated at the oral stage of development would later develop

Select one:
a. an excessive need for self-control.
b. sloppy grooming habits.
c. habits such as smoking or overeating.
d. all of the above behaviors.

Answer 1

Sigmund Freud theorized that adults fixated at the oral stage of psychosexual development may engage in behaviors like smoking or overeating as attempts to ease anxiety through oral stimulation.

Step-by-step explanation:

Freud's Theory of Oral Stage Fixation:

Sigmund Freud believed that individuals who do not navigate the oral stage of psychosexual development successfully can develop certain adult fixation behaviors. Specifically, Freud posited that adults who were fixated at the oral stage may display habits such as smoking or overeating. These behaviors are considered attempts to achieve pleasure and ease anxiety, similar to the pleasure children derive from oral activities like sucking on pacifiers or thumbs during infancy.

According to Freud, a child weaned either too early or too late from breastfeeding or the bottle may later seek to derive pleasure from oral activities, hence why adults may develop habits related to the mouth, such as smoking or overeating. Therefore, when asked about behaviors associated with oral stage fixation, the correct answer is that such individuals may develop habits like smoking or overeating.