Sigmund Freud's theory of sexuality is a fundamental aspect of his pioneering work in psychoanalysis. Developed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Freud's ideas about human sexuality have had a profound and lasting impact on psychology and our understanding of the human mind.

Freud proposed a complex and multifaceted theory of sexuality that emphasized its central role in human development and psychopathology. He believed that human sexuality went through several distinct stages of development, starting with the oral stage, followed by the anal, phallic, latent, and genital stages. The phallic stage, in particular, is critical to understanding Freud's theory, as it involves the Oedipus complex (for boys) and the Electra complex (for girls). During this stage, children develop sexual feelings for the parent of the opposite sex and experience conflict with the same-sex parent.

Freud argued that unresolved conflicts or fixations at these stages could lead to various psychological issues in adulthood, including neuroses and unconscious desires. He also introduced the concept of the libido, representing the psychic energy associated with sexual desires and pleasure.

While Freud's theory of sexuality has faced criticism and revision over the years, it remains a foundational contribution to the field of psychology, offering insights into the intricate interplay between human desires, development, and the unconscious mind.

SigmundFreud sexuality psychoanalysis psychology oral anal phallic genital stage oedipus complex electra complex sexual feelings conflicts unconscious desires energy libido pleasure