The growth of a human being is marked with tremendous changes from the time of birth to the time of adulthood and full realization (Hutson, Warne & Grover, 2011). To shed light on the changing stages, Sigmund Freud developed a theory to explain the human behavior and habits in relation to childhood and personality as well as sexuality. Freud developed the model that illustrated the various stages of the psychosexual development and the changes that mark the beginning and the end of every stage (Hutson, Warne & Grover, 2011). The stages can be in relation to the real life experiences and the actual encounters of human life from behavioral aspect as well as the personality.
According to Freud’s psychosexual development theory, the life of human being is marked with five developmental stages, each one having a specific characteristic activity that takes place. Within each stage, there are consequences if one does not completely undergo the stage or if there is a disturbance at a particular stage (Kreukels, Steensma, & Vries, 2014). In the oral stage, the infant concentrates much on the mouth while in the anal phase; the main area of attention is the anal region. The phallic stage is marked with major interest on the genitals while in the latent stage there is the development of the ego.
The anal stage is mostly associated with the bladder control and training of the toilet use according to Freud. If children are not handled well at this stage, they can become either too messy or too destructive (Kreukels, Steensma, & Vries, 2014; Shaffer & Kipp, 2010). The children can also be too rigid and strict if handled strictly at his stage. Both Juan and Elena used to be beaten by their parents during their early stages of life. Juan parents hit him with a belt while Elena’s parents used a switch as a corrective measure. The punishments are reflecting in their family as they make the children carry encyclopedias while kneeling thus justifying the Freud’s suggestion that the children whose parents are excessively strict at the anal phase more so tend to be stringent in their later lives (Shaffer & Kipp, 2010). This is not only on their children but also on themselves whereby they exhibit a heightened extent of discipline in regards to life, which may be to their disadvantage. Since, they cannot enjoy life or varied aspects characterizing their stages like other people.
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The social worker guidelines aim at ensuring the children are well treated and not given abusive punishments like the Hernandez family did. According to Freud’s theory, the latent stage is marked with the maturity of social skills as well as self-confidence (Shaffer & Kipp, 2010). The parents should therefore take time to understand the children before giving those punishments that can suppress their interaction with their family members and the other children (Shaffer & Kipp, 2010). The social worker guidelines are against harsh punishments by parents as this could interfere with their development socially according to Freud.
- Hutson, J. M., Warne, G. L., & Grover, S. (2011). Disorders of sex development: An integrated approach to management. Berlin: Springer.
- Kreukels, B. P. C., Steensma, T. D., & Vries, A. L. C. (2014). Gender dysphoria and disorders of sex development: Progress in care and knowledge. New York: Springer.
- Shaffer, D. R., & Kipp, K. (2010). Developmental psychology: Childhood and adolescence. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth Cengage Learning.