What is fixation in Freudian psychology?

In Freudian psychology, fixation refers to an unconscious attachment to an earlier stage of psychosexual development. According to Sigmund Freud's theory, human development occurs through a series of stages, including the oral, anal, phallic, latency, and genital stages. If an individual experiences excess frustration or overindulgence during any of these stages, they may become fixated, meaning they carry unresolved issues or energy from that stage into adulthood.

For instance, someone fixated at the oral stage might develop traits such as dependency or aggression, often manifesting in habits like smoking or overeating. This fixation stems from the idea that unresolved conflicts from the earlier stages influence personality and behavior later in life. Understanding fixation helps to grasp Freudian concepts of development and how childhood experiences can impact adult character and relationships.

The other options do not align with Freudian theory; problem-solving strategies and cognitive restructuring are concepts from cognitive psychology and therapy, while physical dependence on substances pertains to addiction and is not related to Freud's psychosexual stages.