In Freud's psychosexual development theory, what is the first stage called?

In Freud's psychosexual development theory, the first stage is called the oral stage. This stage occurs from birth to about 18 months of age and is characterized by an infant's pleasure centers on the mouth. Activities such as feeding, sucking, and biting are critical during this stage, as they provide the primary source of interaction for the infant. Freud emphasized that the way caregivers manage a child's oral fixation can significantly impact personality traits in adulthood. For example, if an infant's oral needs are overly gratified or frustrated, it may lead to issues such as dependency or aggression later in life. Understanding this foundational stage is essential, as it sets the groundwork for the subsequent stages of psychosexual development, including the anal, phallic, and latent stages.