Which psychosexual stage emphasizes toilet training and control issues?

The Anal Stage is significant in psychosexual development because it primarily focuses on the child's experience with toilet training and the associated control issues. During this stage, which typically occurs from around 18 months to 3 years of age, children begin to learn how to manage their bodily functions, particularly in relation to bowel control.

This stage is critical not only for the development of autonomy and independence but also for instilling a sense of discipline. Parents often influence a child's experiences during this stage through their attitudes toward toilet training, which can lead to feelings of accomplishment or failure. Success at this stage can foster self-control and a sense of competence, while struggles may result in anxiety or conflicts, potentially leading to personality traits associated with either orderliness or messiness later in life.

In contrast, the other stages do not center specifically around toilet training. The Latency Stage is characterized by a focus on developing social skills and intellectual pursuits rather than physical control. The Phallic Stage is about the recognition of gender identity and the Oedipus complex, focusing on sexual identity rather than bodily functions. The Genital Stage, which occurs during adolescence and adulthood, involves the maturation of sexual interests and relationships, moving past the concerns of earlier stages.