Which Freud stage corresponds to ages 1-3 years and toilet training?

• A. Anal
• B. Phallic
• C. Latency
• D. Genital

Answer: (A)

Freud’s psychosexual development links toilet training and the sense of bodily control to the anal stage, which centers on mastering bowel and bladder functions and gaining autonomy. This period generally spans ages one to three, so the scenario described—toilet training during early childhood—fits this stage best. How a child handles control during this time can influence personality traits later, such as a tendency toward orderliness or, conversely, messiness, depending on the balance of structure and freedom provided. The other stages occur at different ages and involve different conflicts: the phallic stage comes later and centers on gender identity and family dynamics; latency is a calmer period with focus on social and cognitive development; the genital stage emerges at puberty with mature sexual relationships.