Which stage of Freud's theory of development involves toilet training?

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Prepare for the MCAT Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior Test. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions with hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

The stage of Freud's theory of development that involves toilet training is the anal stage. This stage typically occurs between the ages of 18 months and three years, during which the primary focus of pleasure is on controlling bladder and bowel movements. Freud believed that the way parents manage toilet training could have significant effects on personality development. Successful completion of this stage can lead to feelings of competence and independence, while difficulties or overly strict toilet training could result in an anal-retentive or anal-expulsive personality.

The other stages mentioned each correspond to different developmental focuses. The oral stage, which occurs from birth to approximately 18 months, centers on oral pleasures such as feeding and sucking. The phallic stage occurs around ages three to six years and focuses on the development of sexual identity and the Oedipus complex. The latent stage, which spans ages six to puberty, is characterized by a period of sexual calm where children focus on social skills and relationships rather than sexual interests.