Which stage involves maturation of sexual interests?

• A. Latency
• B. Phallic
• C. Genital
• D. Oral

Answer: (C)

Freud's psychosexual development includes stages where sexual energy moves through different zones. The stage in which sexual interests mature is the genital stage. It begins at puberty, when sexual energy reemerges and is directed toward forming mature romantic and sexual relationships, with a focus on intimacy and reproduction. Earlier stages involve different patterns: latency is a period of relative calm where sexual impulses are sublimated into social and academic activities; the phallic stage centers on the genitals and the development of gender identity and related conflicts; the oral and anal stages occur earlier in childhood and focus on gratification related to the mouth and bowels.