Which best illustrates a child in the phallic stage of psychosexual development?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The phallic stage of psychosexual development is characterized by the child's curiosity and exploration of their own genitals, as well as their attraction to the opposite-sex parent and jealousy of the same-sex parent. Billy's behavior of acting out to get his mother's attention when she is alone with his father is a common behavior in this stage, as the child may feel threatened by the father's presence and may be attempting to assert dominance or gain the mother's attention and affection. This behavior suggests that Billy is in the phallic stage of psychosexual development.

B, C, and D do not illustrate behaviors commonly associated with the phallic stage. Kelly seeking out strangers for sexual encounters is not a typical behavior for children in this stage, and suggests other issues. Alan going shopping with his father does not necessarily relate to any stage of psychosexual development. Maria's lack of conscious sexual desires is not relevant to the phallic stage, as the child is usually very interested in their own sexual organs and those of others during this stage.

Which Best Illustrates a Child in the Phallic Stage of Psychosexual