The latency stage (latent meaning dormant or inactive or unused) is the fourth stage of psychosexual development that is occurring between ages 6-12. At this time, the libido is dormant, and there are no sexual impulses because the child suppresses it.
This stage is a period of reduced sexuality - there is a mark quiescence, no libidinal urges, no erogenous zone involved, and there is a complete halt of sexual tension that is persistent in the previous three stages.
The latency stage is also known as the stage of competence where the child is eager to learn new skills. During this stage, the child compares his self-worth to others.
A. Latency Stage task - New interests develop for the child and besides some maturity in sex; the child also develops a certain amount of physical and mental growth. During this time, Freud believed that sexual impulses were repressed, leading boys and girls to have little or no interest in members of the opposite sex. Boys go out with boys and girls with girls (not to be confused with homosexual relationships).
In the latency stage, the libido is in a "Do Not Disturb mood and mode ... and sexual energies are repressed and sublimated and are channeled by industrious asexual activities. So if you have a keen eye, a child works more on his or her social and communication skill which helps them build, identify and boost their confidence. Their attention is directed toward the realities of life, activities, hobbies, and play; very little or no attention is paid to their sexual needs.
Freud believed that sexual urges from the earlier Oedipal stage are repressed and channeled into productive activities that are socially acceptable - academics and athletics.
To re-emphasize the stage ... the children disengaged from anything sexual and focus more on social and intellectual development. The child acquires new social values from same-sex peers outside the family.
D. Carry-over behaviors in the Latency stage.
Social development takes place during the latent period, social interactions, communication skills, and self-confidence. Children can become fixated or "stuck" in this phase. Fixation at this stage can result in immaturity and an inability to form a fulfilling relationship as an adult.
Controversy about homosexuality being a carry-over behavior and a fixation in this stage ... is still met with reservation and a lukewarm response. However, our college professor mentioned this and she warned us that although her theory doesn't meet blanket approval from experts and critics alike ... she said she should mention it anyway.
Homosexuality is a fixation she believed started in the Phallic stage and was reignited in the Latency stage. I actually don't succumb to her theory because the Hallmark signs of this period are the child's dormant sexual urges and the libido is on its sabbatical leave, and the child's activities are purely asexual ... so how would homosexuality fit in here? But she stressed that the child choosing the company of the same sex peers ... and enjoying every second of it ... fixation can happen. She said, "Anything can happen."
She mentioned also the Phallic Stage (as the start of it all ... where the boy or the girl mimics and identifies himself with the parent of the same sex ... and anything more or lacking ... if the situation was not resolved ... we are treading the thorny path to fixation. She also mentioned the fact that in the phallic stage, the toddler behaves too feminine (too soft for comfort) and the girl acts tomboyish.
Yesiree ... these facts don't lie, because I saw that too. And although Freud has not given the imprimatur that homosexuality is a fixation that started from Phallic or Latency ... the fact remains ... my professor has some bragging point.
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