INFANTILE LIBIDO Meaning and
Definition
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Infantile libido refers to the psychoanalytical concept put forward by Sigmund Freud, the father of psychoanalysis, to describe the energy and instinctual drive associated with the sexual desires and fantasies of children, specifically during their earliest developmental stages. The term "libido" can be broadly understood as the psychological and emotional manifestation of an individual's sexual energy.
According to Freud, the infantile libido emerges during the oral stage of psychosexual development, which occurs in the first year of life. This stage is characterized by the infant's pleasure and fixation on the mouth as the primary erogenous zone. The infantile libido is rooted in the oral stimulation and satisfaction derived from activities such as breastfeeding, sucking, and oral exploration.
As psychosexual development progresses, the focus of the libido shifts to different erogenous zones, such as the anus during the anal stage and the genitals during the phallic stage. Freud proposed that the infantile libido is rechanneled and transformed into mature adult sexuality through a series of developmental stages that involve the resolution of various conflicts and desires.
Understanding the concept of infantile libido is crucial in psychoanalysis as it helps explain the impact of early experiences and conflicts on an individual's adult personality and behavior. It serves as a foundational concept in Freudian theory, allowing therapists and researchers to explore the unconscious motivations and desires that may influence human thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.
Common Misspellings for INFANTILE LIBIDO
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Etymology of INFANTILE LIBIDO
The etymology of the word "infantile libido" can be understood by examining the origins of each individual term:
1. Infantile: Derived from the Latin word "infans" meaning "not speaking" or "unable to speak". The term later extended its meaning to refer to a young child or baby. In early psychoanalytic theory, Sigmund Freud used the term "infantile" to describe the early stages of psychosexual development.
2. Libido: A term introduced by Sigmund Freud, originating from Latin, meaning "desire" or "lust". Freud used the term to refer to the energy or drive associated with the sexual instinct. It encompasses different forms of pleasure-seeking, including sexual and non-sexual drives.
When combined, "infantile libido" refers to the sexual or erotic energy present in the early stages of psychosexual development, particularly during infancy and childhood.
