The Oral stage occurs from birth to about 1 year. What is the focus of pleasure in this stage?

• A. The mother's breast
• B. The child's anus
• C. Genital area
• D. Hands

Answer: (A)

In Freud's theory, the early stage is defined by the body area that provides pleasure. During the oral stage, which lasts from birth to about a year, the main source of pleasure for the infant is the mouth. Sucking and feeding, especially on the mother’s breast, are how comfort and satisfaction are achieved at this time. The other areas correspond to later stages: the anus to the next stage (around ages 1–3), the genital area to the following stage, and using the hands isn’t the focus of this stage. So the mother’s breast best explains the primary source of pleasure in this period.