Which stage is associated with puberty and the reemergence of sexuality?

• A. Latent
• B. Genital
• C. Phallic
• D. Oral

Answer: (B)

Puberty signals the genital stage in Freud’s psychosexual theory. In this stage, libido becomes focused on the genitals again, and sexual energy reemerges as individuals reach puberty and develop mature romantic and sexual relationships. This contrasts with earlier stages: the oral stage occurs in infancy with feeding, the anal stage in toddlerhood with bowel control, the phallic stage in early childhood involving exploration of genitals and complex family dynamics, and the latent stage in middle childhood where sexual energy is relatively quiet. Because puberty brings physical changes and a focus on mature sexuality, the genital stage best fits this description.