Freud's psychosexual stages theory is a developmental theory that suggests that individuals go through five stages of psychosexual development (oral, anal, phallic, latency, and genital) during childhood. According to Freud, unresolved conflicts at each stage can lead to psychological issues later in life.
Freud's psychosexual stages theory originates from a psychodynamic perspective, positing that personality develops through five childhood stages. Each stage is characterized by the erogenous zone that is the source of the child's psychosexual energy.
Sigmund Freud developed this theory based on his observations and case studies. While empirical research supporting this theory is limited due to its subjective nature, it has been influential in the field of psychology and remains a subject of interest for historical and theoretical discussion.