If a person becomes fixated in the oral stage of development, what might be a later personality problem?

• A. Dependency issues
• B. Excessive trust in others
• C. All of the above
• D. Inability to express emotions

Answer: (C)

When an individual becomes fixated at the oral stage of development, which occurs from birth to about 18 months according to Freudian theory, various personality issues can arise. This stage primarily focuses on the infant's interaction with the world through the mouth, associated with feeding and oral stimulation.

Fixations during this stage can lead to personality characteristics such as dependency issues, where individuals may become either overly reliant on others for emotional support or exhibit a lack of independence. Such people might seek constant reassurance or feel a need to be taken care of, reflecting unresolved conflicts from this developmental period.

Additionally, excessive trust in others can develop. During the oral stage, the child learns about trust and security primarily through the caregiver's interactions. If this process is not adequately resolved, individuals may carry an expectation of trust and safety into adulthood, which may not always be warranted, leading them to become overly naïve or reliant on others.

Inability to express emotions can also be a consequence of oral fixation. If early experiences were particularly negative or if the emotional needs were not adequately met, individuals may struggle with vulnerability and properly communicating their feelings later in life.

Thus, fixation in the oral stage can manifest in multiple ways, encapsulating dependency issues, excessive trust in others,