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The '''anal stage''' in [[psychology]] is the term used by [[Sigmund Freud]] to describe the [[Child development|development]] during the second year of [[life]], in which a [[child]]'s [[pleasure ]] and [[conflict ]] centers are in the anal area. This stage is exemplified by a toddler's pleasure in controlling his or her bowels. This is second of Freud's [[psychosexual stages]]. According to Freud's theories, inability to resolve the conflicts of this stage may cause [[anal retentive]]nessarea.
According to [[Freud]]'s theories, inability to resolve the [[conflict]]s of this [[stage]] may cause [[anal retentive]]ness. As the physical ability to control the sphyncter matures (2-3 years of age), the [[child]]'s attention shifts from the [[oral]] to the [[anal]] zone. This change provides further outlets for libidinal gratification ([[anal]] [[erotism]]) and for the emerging aggressive drive ([[anal]] [[sadism]]). The concept of [[fixation ]] kicks in here. When there is excessive [[excess]]ive [[gratification ]] in this [[stage]], it leads to the [[development ]] of extremely generous, unorganized personalities. When [[gratification ]] does not occur, the individual becomes extremely organized.
===See also===