PDA: Fourth Psychosexual Stage Latency

• Latency Stage (6 years to puberty)


  During this stage, the superego continues to develop while the id's energies are suppressed. Children develop social skills, values and relationships with peers and adults outside the family.
• The development of the ego and superego contribute to this period of calm. The stage begins around the time that children enter into school and become more concerned with peer relationships, hobbies and other interests. Freud believed the energy of the house was sublimated toward these other interests.
• The latent period is a time of exploration in which the sexual energy is repressed or dormant. This energy is still present but is sublimated into other areas such as intellectual pursuits and social interactions. This stage is important in the development of social and communication skills and self confidence.
• Becoming fixated in this phase can result in immaturity and an inability to form fulfilling relationships as an adult.