Ace the ASWB LCSW Social Work Clinical Exam 2026 – Lift Your Career to New Heights!

The stage of psychosexual development that occurs between the ages of 3 to 5 is known as the Phallic stage. During this stage, children become aware of their bodies and develop a strong interest in the differences between the sexes. This is a crucial period for the formation of a child’s gender identity and their understanding of sexual roles.

In this stage, children experience the Oedipus or Electra complex, which involves feelings of desire toward the opposite-sex parent and jealousy toward the same-sex parent. This can lead to the development of certain defense mechanisms and ultimately contributes to the child's identification with the same-sex parent, influencing their future relationships and gender role orientation.

Understanding this stage helps in recognizing how early childhood experiences can impact personality development and interpersonal relationships in later life. While other stages, such as the Oral, Anal, and Genital stages, are critical in their own right, they occur at different developmental periods and focus on different conflicts and associated behaviors.