genital stage
Noun: 1. (Psychoanalysis) The final stage of psychosexual development: In Freudian psychoanalytic theory, the genital stage is the fifth and final phase of a person's psychosexual development, typically beginning at puberty and continuing into adulthood. The primary focus of interest and libidinal energy shifts to mature, heterosexual sexual activity and the formation of fulfilling adult relationships.
The term is used almost exclusively within the context of Freudian psychoanalytic theory to describe a specific developmental phase. * According to Freudian theory, successful navigation of earlier stages leads to a healthy genital stage characterized by sexual maturity. * The analyst noted that the patient's difficulties in forming intimate relationships suggested a fixation that impeded progression to the genital stage.
- The concept is often discussed in contrast to the preceding phallic stage and is considered the culmination of psychosexual development.
- Reaching the genital stage implies the resolution of the Oedipus complex and the ability to form non-incestuous object relations.
- Genitality (n): The state or quality of being in the genital stage; mature sexual orientation.
- Phallic stage (n): The immediate psychosexual stage preceding the genital stage.
- Genital phase: A direct synonym used interchangeably.
- Mature stage (of psychosexual development): A descriptive synonym emphasizing the outcome.
- Psychosexual development: The overarching theoretical framework.
- Fixation: An arrest in development at an earlier stage, preventing full entry into the genital stage.
- Oedipus complex: A central conflict of the phallic stage that must be resolved for progression.
- (psychoanalysis) the fifth sexual and social stage in a person's development occurring during adolescence; interest focuses on sexual activity