US High School Psychology Practice Exam 2025 - Free Practice Questions and Study Guide

Sigmund Freud's key concept regarding personality development centers on the significance of early relationships with parents, particularly during the psychosexual stages of development. Freud proposed that the interactions and experiences an individual has with their primary caregivers—often parents—during childhood play a crucial role in shaping their personality, behavior, and emotional patterns later in life. This idea is rooted in his belief that early experiences can create lasting impacts on an individual's psyche.

Freud's theory posits that various stages of development (oral, anal, phallic, latency, and genital) shape personality traits and characteristics based on how conflicts at each stage are resolved. The experiences during these formative years, particularly in relation to parental figures, are thought to leave an indelible mark that influences adult behavior and personality dynamics. This focus on early familial relationships emphasizes the foundational role that caregivers play in psychological development, setting Freud's theories apart from other influences like socioeconomic factors, cultural contexts, or broader environmental influences.