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.
Analogy
It's like having a favorite song on repeat because you can't get enough of it. Similarly, an individual with an oral fixation continues to seek pleasure through oral activities into adulthood because they didn't get enough (or got too much) of it during their infancy.
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.
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