Genital stage of psychosexual development. Collapse of the family system.

The final stage of psychosexual development is called genital (11–12 years).

Adolescence is seen as the collapse of the family system. And it is emotionally experienced by a parent of the same sex. For example, a girl turns into a girl, becomes more beautiful, sweeter, in a word, blossoms, and the mother grows old. “The reasons for conflict between mother and daughter arise when the daughter grows up and meets in her mother an opponent of her sexual freedom, while the daughter’s maturity reminds the mother that the time has come to renounce her own sex life” (Freud). If at this age the mother is like a girlfriend, it means that the mother is not given the place of a woman.

The boy grows up, matures, becomes bolder, stronger, which, along with joy and pride, can also frighten the father, since the man’s place in the family can be overthrown. Rivalry arises between mother and daughter, father and son, for the place of woman and man in the house. (Of course, parents experience these feelings unconsciously.)

At the age of 12–15, hormonal and physiological changes occur (girls have their first periods, boys have wet dreams), the results of these changes lead to increased excitability and sexual activity. As a result, school performance also falls.

Freud believed that all adolescents at the beginning of the stage go through a homosexual period, which is not necessarily of a pronounced nature, but is manifested in the desire to communicate with representatives of the same sex. Gradually, libido is directed to the opposite sex, courtship and falling in love appear. By about age 21, adult sexuality should have developed.

The rebellion of adolescence occurs during this period. The teenager tries to take responsibility for his actions, shows initiative, activity, independence, determination, and expresses his opinion. Which often happens in a rough ultimatum form. Due to this, frequent conflicts with parents occur during this period. But it is through conflict and aggression that separation occurs (separation from mother).

What should parents pay attention to and how can they help their teenager get through this period?

It is necessary to give the teenager the opportunity to express himself; help them develop independence and responsibility; decide on the choice of profession and education, gain financial and territorial independence.

It’s not in vain that they say that the best thing we can give to children is to teach them to do without us.

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