Oral stage: Birth to 1 year is characterized by which behaviors?

• A. Birth - 1 year; enjoys chewing, sucking and biting
• B. 1-3 years; autonomy vs doubt
• C. 3-6 years; initiative
• D. 6-12 years; industry

Answer: (A)

In Freudian theory, early personality development unfolds in stages linked to different areas of the body. The oral stage is the first stage, from birth to about one year, and the mouth is the primary source of pleasure and exploration. Infants derive gratification from oral activities, so sucking, chewing, and biting are characteristic behaviors as they feed, soothe themselves, and learn how to interact with the world. As development progresses, the focus shifts to the next stages at later ages (1–3 years with toilet training and autonomy, 3–6 years with initiative, and 6–12 years with industry). So the behaviors described—enjoying sucking, chewing, and biting—best fit the oral stage.