Arizona Educator Proficiency Assessments (AEPA) Practice Exam 2025 - Free AEPA Practice Questions and Study Guide

The correct answer is the Anal Stage, which follows the Oral Stage in Freud's Psychoanalytic Theory. This stage occurs roughly between the ages of 18 months and three years. During this period, the focus of pleasure shifts from the mouth to the anus, and children experience a sense of control and independence as they begin toilet training. This stage is significant for developing a sense of orderliness and autonomy as the child learns to manage bodily functions. Success or challenges faced during this stage can influence personality traits in adulthood, such as organization, cleanliness, or messiness.

The Phallic Stage, which focuses on the child’s awareness of their own and others' genitalia, comes after the Anal Stage. The Genital Stage, occurring during puberty and onward, involves mature sexual intimacy. The Latency Stage occurs between the Phallic Stage and the Genital Stage, where sexual impulses are repressed, and children focus on other developmental skills and social interactions. Thus, it is essential to understand the sequential nature of Freud’s stages to grasp how each contributes to personality development.