The latency stage is the third stage in Sigmund Freud's psychosexual theory of personality development. It occurs between the phallic stage (ages 3 to 6) and the genital stage (ages 12 to 18). During the latency stage, sexual impulses are largely repressed and children focus their energy on developing other skills and interests, such as social skills, academic skills, and creative abilities.
During this stage, children typically:
- Focus on developing social skills, such as friendship and cooperation.
- Develop a strong sense of right and wrong.
- Become more independent and self-reliant.
- Develop a sense of industry and accomplishment.
- Develop a sense of initiative.
- Develop a sense of identity.
Freud believed that the successful completion of the latency stage was essential for healthy adult development. Individuals who fixate at this stage may experience problems forming intimate relationships and may be overly rigid and inflexible in their thinking and behavior.