Final answer:
In Freud's psychoanalytical theory, the oral stage occurs from birth to one year where infants find pleasure focused on the mouth; improper weaning can lead to adult oral fixations.
Step-by-step explanation:
The oral stage is the first phase of Sigmund Freud's psychosexual development theory, occurring from birth to one year of age. During this period, an infant's primary source of pleasure is the mouth, manifested through behaviors such as eating and sucking on objects like nipples, pacifiers, and thumbs. According to Freud, the oral stage is critical, and the manner in which weaning off the breast or bottle is handled by caregivers can significantly impact an individual's later life. If weaning occurs too early or too late, it may result in an oral fixation, with adults potentially developing habits such as smoking, overeating, or nail-biting to ease anxiety.
It is important to note that while Freud's psychosexual stages, including the oral stage, are a well-known part of psychological theory, these stages are controversial and lack empirical evidence to support their universal applicability.