Studying adolescence through a Psychoanalytic viewpoint

Abstract

Sigmund Freud, the father of psychoanalysis, introduced a theoretical framework that has had a profound impact on our understanding of human development, including adolescence. According to Freud, psychological development occurs in a series of psychosexual stages, each characterized by conflicts that must be resolved for healthy development. Adolescence, a crucial developmental phase, is predominantly associated with the genital stage, where the primary focus of psychological energy shifts towards the mature handling of sexual impulses.

Freudian theory suggests that the unresolved conflicts from earlier stages (such as the oral, anal, and phallic stages) can re-emerge during adolescence, influencing behavior and personality. Adolescents experience a reawakening of sexual drives, leading to a renewed engagement with their internalized familial relationships and deep psychological conflicts. This article explores adolescence within the Freudian framework, focusing on how the concepts of libido, defense mechanisms, and identity development provide insight into the psychological challenges adolescents face.