What term describes the result of dissatisfaction of needs in the psychosexual stages?

The term that describes the result of dissatisfaction of needs in the psychosexual stages is fixation. In Freudian theory, each psychosexual stage is associated with a specific conflict that must be resolved for healthy psychological development. If a person experiences either excessive gratification or frustration during any of these stages, they may become fixated on that stage. This fixation manifests as behaviors and personality traits that reflect unmet needs, often carried into adulthood.

For example, if someone experiences difficulties during the oral stage, they might develop oral fixation leading to traits such as dependency or aggressiveness, often demonstrated through behaviors like smoking or overeating. The concept highlights how unresolved conflicts from early development can influence behavior later in life, emphasizing the importance of fulfilling needs appropriately during each stage for optimal psychological health.