Latency

• The latency stage is the fourth stage of psychosexual development, spanning six years to puberty
• The libido is dormant during this stage, and no further psychosexual development occurs (latent means hidden)
• In this stage, Freud believed sexual impulses are repressed, leading to a period of relative calm
• The focus shifts to other pursuits such as education, social relationships, and other skills necessary for successful adult life
• Freud thought most sexual impulses are repressed during the latent stage, and sexual energy can be sublimated towards school work, hobbies, and friendships
• Much of the child’s energy is channeled into developing new skills and acquiring new knowledge, and play becomes largely confined to other children of the same gender
• An example of this stage would be a child who engages in hobbies and interests rather than sexual activities
• According to Freud, unresolved conflicts or issues during this stage can lead to problems later on, such as difficulty expressing emotions or forming healthy relationships
• For instance, if a child fails to make strong social connections or falls behind academically during this stage, they may struggle with feelings of inadequacy, insecurity, and social isolation in adulthood
• Similarly, if a child falls behind academically during this stage – perhaps struggling with reading, writing, or math skills – they might feel less competent than their peers, leading to insecurity or inadequacy
• This stage ends with the onset of puberty, when sexual urges resurface, and the individual enters the final stage of Freud’s psychosexual development, the Genital Stage