<P> The fifth stage of psychosexual development is the genital stage that spans puberty through adult life , and thus represents most of a person 's life ; its purpose is the psychological detachment and independence from the parents . The genital stage affords the person the ability to confront and resolve his or her remaining psychosexual childhood conflicts . As in the phallic stage , the genital stage is centered upon the genitalia , but the sexuality is consensual and adult , rather than solitary and infantile . The psychological difference between the phallic and genital stages is that the ego is established in the latter ; the person 's concern shifts from primary - drive gratification ( instinct ) to applying secondary process - thinking to gratify desire symbolically and intellectually by means of friendships , a love relationship , family and adult responsibilities . </P>
<P> The fifth stage of psychosexual development is the genital stage that spans puberty through adult life , and thus represents most of a person 's life ; its purpose is the psychological detachment and independence from the parents . The genital stage affords the person the ability to confront and resolve his or her remaining psychosexual childhood conflicts . As in the phallic stage , the genital stage is centered upon the genitalia , but the sexuality is consensual and adult , rather than solitary and infantile . The psychological difference between the phallic and genital stages is that the ego is established in the latter ; the person 's concern shifts from primary - drive gratification ( instinct ) to applying secondary process - thinking to gratify desire symbolically and intellectually by means of friendships , a love relationship , family and adult responsibilities . </P>
when do psychosexual maturity and the ability to love begin
when do psychosexual maturity and the ability to love begin
genital stage
genital stage