What happens to sexual energy during the latency stage?

During the latency stage, which is recognized in Freud's psychosexual development theory, sexual energy is primarily repressed. This stage occurs roughly between the ages of 6 and puberty, a time characterized by relative emotional calm and a decrease in overt sexual interest. Rather than focusing on sexual urges, children in this stage typically divert their energy towards developing social skills, forming friendships, participating in hobbies, and engaging in intellectual pursuits. This temporary repression of sexual energy is seen as a normal part of emotional and social development, allowing for a focus on relationships outside of the family and on a range of personal interests.

The other options represent different states or behaviors regarding sexual energy that do not align with the characteristics of the latency stage. For instance, heightened sexual energy would imply an increased focus on sexual impulses, which contradicts the repression observed during this period. Redirected energy could suggest that sexual impulses are being channeled into new behaviors, but during the latency stage, the key feature is the lack of sexual drive rather than its redirection. Excessive sexual energy would also not be an accurate description, as the latency stage is marked by lower levels of sexual desire and activity compared to earlier or later stages.