A 6-year-old child is showing behaviors such as excessive handwashing and reluctance to use the bathroom independently. According to Freud’s psychosexual theory, fixation at which stage is most likely contributing to these behaviors?

Choice A reason: The phallic stage (ages 3–6) involves focus on genital awareness and resolving the Oedipus/Electra complex. This stage does not explain compulsive cleanliness or bathroom avoidance. Choice B reason: The oral stage (birth–1 year) relates to feeding and oral gratification. Fixation here leads to dependency or oral habits such as smoking, not excessive handwashing. Choice C reason: The latency stage (ages 6–12) emphasizes social development, friendships, and learning rather than obsessive cleanliness. It does not explain the observed behaviors. Choice D reason: The anal stage (ages 1–3) centers around toilet training and control over elimination. Fixation here may cause compulsive behaviors like cleanliness, orderliness, or avoidance of bathroom-related tasks, making it the best explanation for the child’s behavior.