Freud argued that if conflicts in each stage are not resolved, sexual energy can become “fixated” and show up later as problematic or exaggerated sexual patterns. The list below uses his own terminology and classic interpretations, not current clinical consensus.
Important caveat
- These are historical ideas, not empirically supported diagnoses, and many are considered outdated or problematic today.
- “Adverse” here means patterns Freud linked to fixation or regression, not moral judgments or modern psychiatric labels.
Oral stage fixation
- Adults may seek sexual gratification predominantly through the mouth, such as compulsive kissing, oral sex as the main or exclusive source of pleasure, or strong dependence on partners for soothing.
- More generally, Freud linked oral fixation to behaviours like smoking, overeating, or alcohol use that can also be sexualized or blended with erotic tension.
Anal stage fixation
- “Anal‑retentive” patterns: strong need for control and order that can include sexual arousal tied to restraint, cleanliness, or rigid control of bodily and relational boundaries.
- “Anal‑expulsive” patterns: pleasure in giving up control, messiness, or taboo-breaking, potentially linked to erotic interest in defiance, degradation, or activities involving bodily waste.
Phallic stage fixation
- Exhibitionism, vanity, or a need to display the body or genitals to gain sexual excitement or validation.
- Difficulties integrating desire and attachment, which Freud saw as contributing to promiscuity, seductiveness without intimacy, or conflicts around gender identity and potency.
Latency stage disturbance
- Because this stage is supposed to be relatively non‑sexual, Freud framed problems less as specific perversions and more as premature or inappropriate sexualization (e.g., adult‑like sexual behaviour emerging too early).
- He linked chronic disruptions here to later difficulties sublimating sexual energy into work, creativity, and friendships, which can then push sexuality into covert, compulsive, or socially inappropriate channels.
Genital stage problems
- Failure to reach “mature genital sexuality” (mutual, affectionate, heterosexual intercourse in Freud’s terms) was described as leading to “perversions,” such as fixation on earlier-stage zones (e.g., only oral, anal, or self‑focused sexual activity).
- He also associated unresolved earlier conflicts with sexual dysfunctions (e.g., impotence, inability to orgasm) and unstable or exploitative relationships, where sexuality cannot be integrated with love and respect.
Modern Perspectives vs. Freudian Framework
1. From “Fixation” to “Attachment Theory”
Where Freud saw “Oral fixation” (dependence/gratification), modern psychologists see Attachment Theory.
- The Shift: Instead of sexual energy being stuck in the mouth, research suggests that if a caregiver is inconsistent or cold during infancy, the child may develop an anxious or avoidant attachment style.
- Progressive View: Adult patterns like “compulsive kissing” or “dependency” are viewed as seeking emotional security rather than a literal leftover of the nursing stage.
2. From “Anal Retention” to “Executive Function”
Freud’s “Anal-retentive” personality (orderly, rigid, controlling) is now understood through the lens of personality traits and neurobiology.
- The Shift: Traits like high Conscientiousness or disorders like OCD are linked to genetics and the development of the prefrontal cortex, which governs self-regulation.
- Progressive View: Sexual interests involving control or power (BDSM, for example) are generally viewed as healthy, consensual expressions of identity or play, rather than a “failure” of toilet training.
3. The “Phallic Stage” and Gender Identity
Freud’s view of the Phallic stage (Oedipus/Electra complexes) is perhaps the most heavily criticised part of his work.
- The Shift: Modern psychology rejects the idea that children “desire” their parents or that “penis envy” defines female development.
- Progressive View: We now understand Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation as complex intersections of biology, social learning, and individual self-discovery, rather than a byproduct of family-dynamic trauma.
4. The “Genital Stage” and Modern Norms
Freud defined “mature” sexuality very narrowly: heterosexual, procreative, and focused on intercourse.
- The Shift: The APA (American Psychological Association) and other major bodies no longer categorise non-heterosexual or non-intercourse-focused sex as “perversions.”
- Progressive View: As long as sexual behaviour is consensual, safe, and pleasurable for the adults involved, it is considered a healthy variation of human sexuality.
