Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
The anal stage is Freud's second psychosexual developmental phase (from 18 months to three years) where pleasure focuses on bowel and bladder elimination; coping with demands for control can lead to fixation on orderliness or messiness.
Related terms
Toilet Training Conflict: This refers to children learning control over their bodily functions during the anal stage which can lead to conflict between child and parent.
Anal Retentive Personality/Anal Expulsive Personality: If conflicts aren't resolved during this period it could result in an adult personality characterized by excessive tidiness/orderliness (anal retentive) or recklessness/disorderliness (anal expulsive).
Autonomy vs Shame/Doubt: Erikson’s psychosocial stage that parallels Freud’s anal stage, where toddlers learn to exercise their will and do things for themselves, or they doubt their abilities.