Oral Fixation

Definition

According to Freud, this is a fixation in adulthood caused by lack of adequate satisfaction during the oral stage or being overly satisfied leading to habits centered around the mouth like smoking, overeating, nail-biting etc.

Related terms

Fixation:

In psychoanalytic theory, this refers to a lingering focus on earlier psychosexual stages due to unresolved conflicts or overindulgence during these stages.

Regression:

This is a defense mechanism where one reverts back to an earlier stage of development when faced with unacceptable thoughts or impulses.

Sublimation:

Another defense mechanism where socially unacceptable impulses are transformed into socially acceptable actions or behavior. For example, someone with an oral fixation might take up cooking as a hobby.