What does it mean to be "fixated" at a stage of psychosexual development?

Being "fixated" at a stage of psychosexual development means that an individual is unable to progress to the next stage due to unresolved conflicts or unmet needs associated with that particular stage. According to Freud's theory of psychosexual development, which posits that early experiences significantly shape personality, fixation can occur when an individual's energy is stuck or focused on a specific stage, affecting their behavior and emotional responses later in life.

For instance, if an individual is fixated at the oral stage, they might develop traits such as dependency or aggressiveness later on, influenced by unresolved issues from that stage. Each psychosexual stage is characterized by certain conflicts that need resolution for healthy personality development. If those conflicts are not adequately resolved, fixation can result, impacting one's interpersonal relationships and behaviors throughout adulthood.