In part, Freud defi ned his stages of development (especially the early stages) based on his behavioural observations. if you can, you might observe young children to see if their behaviour fi ts his...

In part, Freud defi ned his stages of development (especially the early stages) based on his behavioural observations. if you can, you might observe young children to see if their behaviour fi ts his descriptions. also, if possible, ask your parents or other family members about your own behaviour as a child. did you show any of the behaviours Freud described? For example, as a baby, did you ever play with your faeces? (as distasteful as this sounds, it’s not uncommon!) did you ever imitate your same sex parent? did you have a ‘crush’ on someone when you entered puberty? could Freud be right about what children do, without being correct about why they do it?