The stage from birth to 18 months focuses predominantly on which type of pleasures?

The stage from birth to 18 months, as outlined in psychosexual development theory, is characterized primarily by oral pleasures. During this initial stage, infants derive gratification and pleasure primarily from activities that involve the mouth, such as sucking and biting. This is not only linked to feeding but also serves as a source of comfort and discovery for the infant.

The oral stage is crucial for developing trust and a sense of security; when infants receive consistent care and nurturing, they generally feel more secure in their environment. Conversely, insufficient care can lead to challenges in trust and dependency later in life. Understanding this stage is essential, as it sets the foundation for the individual's personality development and coping mechanisms in the future.

Anal, genital, and phallic pleasures are associated with later stages of development. The anal stage emerges after the oral stage and focuses on toilet training and control, while the phallic stage takes place around the ages of 3 to 6, emphasizing pleasure in the genital area. The genital stage represents the maturation of sexual interests during adolescence. Thus, the focus during the first 18 months is distinctly on oral pleasures, highlighting its significance in psychological development.