A 6-year-old child is showing behaviors such as excessive handwashing and reluctance to use the bathroom independently. According to Freud’s psychosexual theory, fixation at which stage is most likely contributing to these behaviors?
Phallic stage
Oral stage
Latency stage
Anal stage
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A reason: The phallic stage (ages 3–6) involves focus on genital awareness and resolving the Oedipus/Electra complex. This stage does not explain compulsive cleanliness or bathroom avoidance.
Choice B reason: The oral stage (birth–1 year) relates to feeding and oral gratification. Fixation here leads to dependency or oral habits such as smoking, not excessive handwashing.
Choice C reason: The latency stage (ages 6–12) emphasizes social development, friendships, and learning rather than obsessive cleanliness. It does not explain the observed behaviors.
Choice D reason: The anal stage (ages 1–3) centers around toilet training and control over elimination. Fixation here may cause compulsive behaviors like cleanliness, orderliness, or avoidance of bathroom-related tasks, making it the best explanation for the child’s behavior.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: These traits are characteristic of dependent personality disorder, where clients fear separation and rely heavily on others for decision-making and support.
Choice B reason: This describes schizoid personality disorder, in which individuals show detachment from relationships and emotional indifference.
Choice C reason: Histrionic personality disorder is marked by attention-seeking, dramatic and exaggerated emotions, and difficulty coping with delayed gratification, making this the correct description.
Choice D reason: These are traits of antisocial personality disorder, which involves manipulation, intimidation, and lack of empathy.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: The superego internalizes societal and parental standards of right and wrong. It guides moral development and can produce guilt when standards are violated or pride when they are upheld.
Choice B reason: The pleasure principle refers to the id, which seeks immediate gratification of desires without considering consequences. This does not describe the superego.
Choice C reason: The ego, not the superego, mediates between the id, superego, and external reality. It works on the reality principle to balance impulses with acceptable behavior.
Choice D reason: Defense mechanisms are managed by the ego, not the superego. They protect against anxiety but are not the superego’s primary function.
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