Anal Phase according to Freud and Psychoanalysis

George Alvarez 24-08-2023
George Alvarez

A child's brain development begins as early as the second week of gestation, and throughout his or her life this cycle is completed in order to sequentially close the psychic and behavioral structure. anal phase and how it impacts human growth.

In the period from 1900 to 1915, we have the so-called classical phase of Sigmund Freud's creation. The author brought important concepts in this period, such as the Oedipus complex, transference, countertransference, and resistance. In addition, he perfected his analytical technique, which came to include free association, floating attention, and dream interpretation.

At this time, one of Freud's essential works is "Three Essays on the Theory of Sexuality" (1905), in which Freud proposes that:

  • Child sexuality is a fundamental part of human development;
  • Since childhood, there are the elements of a sexual life that is still diffuse but quite intense;
  • This developing sexuality goes from birth to the end of puberty and is divided into phases, depending on the region of the body that is most sensitized (oral phase, anal phase, phallic phase, latency phase, and genital phase).
  • There is a connection between psychological problems of adult life, the life experiences of childhood, and the way children go through each phase.

The anal phase

The anal phase corresponds to the part of the child's development involving control of the anus itself This moment is nothing more than the construction of their psychic security and the creation of their personal values.

This is a natural process for any human being, and it is aimed at our survival. That is why the perception of possession, aggressiveness, selfishness and domination coming from the child becomes more common.

Although they show themselves as negative signs, these links are important to the development of the little one. It all happens so that he will have a healthy development and grow up properly and soundly. The second phase of the libidinal development connects with the intestinal tract and the urinary system.

Understanding reality

One of the most remarkable facts of anal phase is the understanding that the child begins to nurture about himself. In short, she will understand that she is not the center of the universe and that the Other exists With this, he realizes that he needs to follow rules and obey the adults around him.

At this point the so-called Ideal Ego With this, it is necessary to pay attention to a few points:

It is the time when she learns the ethical basis of her life

The child already has enough discernment to understand the values that are passed on to them. For example, she can understand that she should not run in the house. In a crude way, she begins to nurture what she herself will be able to expand on later.

Understanding things literally

There is a certain caution in transmitting any message towards the child at this stage. Her mind does not have the necessary mechanisms to be able to evaluate a situation between the lines. Thus, she ends up understanding what is said and done in front of her in a literal way and fixates on it.

Misunderstanding can generate anguish

You, as an educator, need to be patient to work through the previous point mentioned. The example, if you approach a child at this stage and tell him you will leave him where he is, he will feel lonely Keep in mind that you and your partner are the bridges that carry that little one and introduce him/her to the world.

"No, it's mine"

It is also in anal phase The moment an adult starts interrupting this egocentricity, ordering him to divide his things, he ends up seriously interfering in his development.

This is because there is an interference in their limbic system that triggers an anger mechanism. This is the point at which many parents point out their own children as uneducated or strong-willed. However, enduring this anger created by the child being prevented from enjoying himself is an important step in his journey.

Read Also: Is missing normal? What does Psychoanalysis say?

Such contact is important because the cycle of the limbic system when it comes to an end helps her to bend to the will of the caregiver. At this point self-esteem, the love for herself, originates. In this, she will understand that she cannot be an emotional dependent on others, being a more confident individual in herself .

See_also: Vulnerability: meaning in the dictionary and psychology

Beginning of the anal phase

The entrance of anal phase Many children react differently to these elements, both because of their curiosity, but also because of their upbringing. While some manage to expel waste in a calm way, others, thanks to their parents, grow up with disgust at the situation.

In his precocious mentality, the little one can understand that feces are his first production. From then on, he will begin to work on it as a symbolic object of his development. It is about achieving security through domination and possession achieved by the retention or expulsion of feces by his control.

I want information to enroll in the Psychoanalysis Course .

It is here that the child has manifested its own autonomous will through aggressiveness. With this, a defense mechanism embraced with anger is installed until it learns another. To explain better, to defend something of its own, it will bite another child without guilt and with full certainty of what it is doing.

Healthy sadism

Expelling feces from your intestinal system is the representation of healthy sadism in the child It is through this process of anal phase that she will learn how to get rid of what she will not need as an adult. on this path, a well-built child will know how:

Let go of something

A well-conditioned upbringing and growth guarantees necessary fruits when in adulthood, for example. Imagine a child that can't let go of an object or an abusive relationship. The tendency is that the attachment makes it hostage to a very uncomfortable situation.

Take initiative

In addition to letting go of something, she will be the one taking the initiative to do so. Note that many people are passive in a bad situation for fear of what might happen. Instead, a well-educated child in the anal stage will have the autonomy to move on.

Teach the child to deal with his feces

The process of anal phase This is why you as a mother or father need to teach hygiene care to the little one early on. However, should not make it obvious that it is something disgusting, dirty, and that I need a lot of care for it .

See_also: Psychosexual development: concept and phases

Many adults make the mistake of saying that a child's poop is stinky or make a face and highlight it. Even if you don't like it, you have to keep in mind that it is a child's upbringing and that he already understands this.

For example, when the child is finished and you clean up, have him/her give the famous "bye-bye" to the feces in the flush. This will make the situation more relaxed and the moment of construction itself more enjoyable.

The retention of stool

Stool retention initiated in the anal phase directly indicates what kind of adult the child will become. This type of retention and also sphincter control indicates that you know how to take care of things, to save or store. By doing this, your child will become a zealous and responsible person for his life.

In this, the good phase of this process will create a person who knows how to expose and put out, who doesn't cling to what is not useful for her and moves on in a safe way. This will ultimately reflect in her ability to save for tomorrow and save what is needed.

On the other hand, poor training can result in a person who is repressed, selfish, angry, and over-scrupulous. In this, he can become an adult who is prejudiced against what he finds "dirty" in his life and in the lives of others. The even lesser fear created results in a person who finds it normal to suffer or to make others suffer in life.

Final considerations about the anal phase

We have seen that the anal phase is a moment of discovery for the child and therefore should be valued Many adults do not understand the magnitude of the process involving the simple act of defecating, thus feeding the image of a wrong, uncomfortable and painful process, an image that reflects in the child's education.

Read Also: Freud's Stages of Sexuality

If your child is at this stage, stay close to them to teach them enough about the event. Remember that you will be helping a future adult to select what is positive and let go of what is not helpful in their emotional development.

I want information to enroll in the Psychoanalysis Course .

To do this in a more worked out way, enroll in our 100% distance learning Psychoanalysis course. The classes will provide the clarity needed to deal with personal issues regarding the social construction of everyone around. This way, you will have an excellent tool for working on the anal phase and building a good persona in your child .

George Alvarez

George Alvarez is a renowned psychoanalyst who has been practicing for over 20 years and is highly regarded in the field. He is a sought-after speaker and has conducted numerous workshops and training programs on psychoanalysis for professionals in the mental health industry. George is also an accomplished writer and has authored several books on psychoanalysis that have received critical acclaim. George Alvarez is dedicated to sharing his knowledge and expertise with others and has created a popular blog on Online Training Course in Psychoanalysis that is widely followed by mental health professionals and students around the world. His blog provides a comprehensive training course that covers all aspects of psychoanalysis, from theory to practical applications. George is passionate about helping others and is committed to making a positive difference in the lives of his clients and students.