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
Overindulgence refers to excessive gratification or indulgence during a particular developmental stage. In relation to Freud's oral stage, overindulging can lead to dependency issues and an oral fixation in adulthood.
Related terms
Dependency issues: A psychological reliance on others or external factors for emotional well-being and decision-making.
Oral fixation: An excessive preoccupation with activities involving the mouth (e.g., smoking, overeating) as a result of unresolved conflicts during the oral stage.
Pleasure principle: The driving force behind our unconscious desires, seeking immediate gratification and avoiding pain or discomfort.