Which of the following stages follows the phallic stage?

The stage that follows the phallic stage in Freud's psychosexual development is the latency stage. During this period, which typically occurs from around age six to puberty, children's sexual feelings are largely suppressed as they focus on developing skills, friendships, and social interactions. This stage is characterized by a focus on intellectual pursuits and the development of same-sex friendships, playing a crucial role in building social identity.

In contrast, the other stages mentioned are part of Freud's model but do not directly follow the phallic stage. For instance, the anal stage comes before the phallic stage and focuses on toilet training and control. The oral stage precedes both the anal and phallic stages, with an emphasis on oral gratification. The genital stage, which comes after latency, begins in puberty and involves mature sexual relationships, signaling the culmination of the psychosexual development process. Thus, the latency stage is essential as it serves as a time for socialization rather than sexual development.