latency period
Noun: 1. A developmental stage in psychoanalytic theory: In Freudian psychoanalysis, the latency period is the fourth psychosexual stage of development, typically occurring from around age 5 or 6 until the onset of puberty (approximately age 12). During this time, sexual impulses are repressed and sublimated into other activities, such as learning, socializing, and skill development.
The term is used primarily in academic, psychological, and psychoanalytic contexts to describe a specific developmental phase in Freud's model of human psychosexual development. - It is a compound noun, typically used in its full form "latency period" or sometimes simply "latency." - It is often discussed in contrast to the preceding phallic stage and the following genital stage.
- According to Freudian theory, the latency period is characterized by a relative dormancy of overt sexual interests.
- During the latency period, children often focus their energy on friendships, schoolwork, and hobbies.
- The psychoanalyst explained that the patient's early childhood memories were from before the latency period.
- "To be in latency": A less common phrasing meaning to be within this developmental stage.
- The child's psychosexual development was in latency.
- Conceptual Extension: In broader, non-technical discussions, the term is sometimes used metaphorically to describe any period of dormancy or inactivity between two phases of activity.
- Latency (noun): The state of being latent or dormant. In psychoanalysis, it is often used as a shorthand for the latency period.
- The concept of latency is central to Freud's developmental stages.
- Latency stage (noun): A synonym for "latency period."
- Latency phase: A synonymous term for the same developmental stage.
- School-age period: A general, non-psychoanalytic term describing the same age range but without the psychosexual connotations.
- The concept is specific to classical Freudian psychoanalytic theory. Many modern developmental psychologists use different frameworks that do not include this specific stage.
- The term should not be confused with "latency" in computing or telecommunications, which refers to a time delay.
- (psychoanalysis) the fourth period (from about age 5 or 6 until puberty) during which sexual interests are supposed to be sublimated into other activities