Classic Theories of Child Development: FREUD
Oral Phase
The oral phase begins at birth and lasts eight
months. It is characterized by the infant's concern
for his mouth and gratification he feels from oral
stimuli. The most obvious oral activity the child
derives pleasure from is eating. Oral stimulation,
however, is also produced by engaging in such
activities as sucking, biting, swallowing and
manipulating various parts of the mouth. Freud
contended that these activities are he child's means of
fulfilling his sexual urges. Hence, Eros (the life
instinct) makes its appearance. But Thanatos (the death
instinct) is also seen since quite frequently children
destroy objects they come in contact with, often by
biting them.
During this phase, the child's personality is
controlled by the id. He demands immediate
gratification of his wants.
Other phases related to Oral Phase:
- Trust vs. Mistrust
- Primary narcissism
- Need-satisfying
- Paranoid-schizoid position
- Part-object relations
- Normal autism
- Birth
