In Freudian theory, attachment is a major factor that evolves primarily during which developmental stage?

• A. Oral Stage
• B. Anal Stage
• C. Latency Stage
• D. Genital Stage

Answer: (A)

In Freudian theory, the earliest stage is when the infant’s pleasure centers on the mouth. This is also when the infant is completely dependent on the caregiver for nourishment and comfort. Because the caregiver’s responsiveness during feeding and soothing creates the first, strongest bond, attachment to the caregiver develops most strongly in this stage. As development progresses into later stages—focused on control, exploration, or maturation—the primary driver of early attachment has already taken shape, so the oral stage is when this attachment pattern is formed.