The spelling of the word "anal retention" can be broken down phonetically as /ˈeɪ.nəl rɪˈtɛn.ʃən/. The first syllable, "ana," is pronounced with the vowel sound "ay" as in "pay." The second syllable, "al," is pronounced with an "uh" sound followed by an "l" sound. The third syllable, "re," is pronounced with an "ih" sound, while the fourth syllable, "ten," is pronounced with an "eh" sound followed by an "n" sound. The final syllable, "tion," is pronounced with an "sh" sound followed by an "un" sound.
Anal retention refers to a concept derived from psychoanalytic theory, specifically Sigmund Freud's psychosexual development stages. According to Freud, during the anal stage (from approximately 18 months to 3 years old), a child's libido or sexual energy is focused on the anal region. During this stage, the primary focus for gratification is the control and elimination of feces. The term "anal retention" is used to describe a psychological state or personality trait developed during this stage when a child encounters unresolved conflicts or excessive strictness around toilet training.
The concept suggests that individuals who have experienced difficulties or trauma during toilet training may develop personality traits associated with "anal retentiveness." This term describes people who exhibit controlling or excessively organized behaviors, a preoccupation with cleanliness and order, and a reluctance to let go of possessions or experiences. Anal retentive individuals may display perfectionism, rigidity, and an excessive need for control in various aspects of their lives.
The term "anal retention" enters the psychological lexicon to describe individuals who manifest these behaviors and attitudes in adulthood. It is important to note that the term is metaphorical rather than literal, as it extends the concept of the anal stage and does not directly refer to physiological or anatomical aspects but rather psychological dispositions and attitudes developed during this period.
The term "anal retention" is derived from the field of psychoanalysis, which was developed by Sigmund Freud. In Freudian theory, "anal retention" refers to the psychosexual stage of "anal", which occurs during a child's development from around 18 to 36 months of age. During this stage, children supposedly experience pleasure and conflict related to their bowel movements and the regulation of their bodily functions, particularly the act of retaining or releasing feces.
The word "anal" comes from the Latin term "anus", which means "ring" or "anus". In psychoanalysis, it is used to describe the psychosexual stage related to the anus. "Retention", on the other hand, refers to the act of keeping or holding onto something. In the context of "anal retention", it refers to the psychological conflicts and fixation associated with the pleasure and control related to bowel movements during the anal stage of development.