What is the consequence of dissatisfaction during the oral stage?

During the oral stage of psychosexual development, which occurs from birth to about 18 months, a child's primary source of interaction and gratification focuses on the mouth. Freud posited that if an infant experiences frustration or dissatisfaction during this stage, it can lead to specific personality traits and behaviors in adulthood.

The correct answer, which is overeating, relates to how unmet oral needs can manifest as oral fixation later in life. This fixation can produce behaviors such as overeating, smoking, nail-biting, or excessive talking—essentially, any habit that involves oral stimulation. Individuals who have unresolved conflicts from this stage may seek oral gratification to cope with their anxiety or dissatisfaction.

This understanding stems from Freud's broader theories on how unresolved psychosexual stages could shape adult personalities and coping mechanisms. Thus, overeating represents a clear example of how early needs influence later behaviors, making it the direct consequence of dissatisfaction during the oral stage.