Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Clinical Practice Exam

The latency stage of psychosexual development is characterized by a period of relative calm in terms of sexual feelings, which typically spans from around age 5 until puberty. During this stage, children are often focused on developing skills, friendships, and social networks rather than on sexual relationships. This period is crucial for social interactions and the formation of peer relationships, allowing children to build self-confidence and competence. This developmental focus lays the groundwork for future social and emotional skills that will be important in adolescence and adulthood.

In contrast, the other stages mentioned do not capture the essence of the latency stage. For instance, the choice referring to adolescence to adulthood aligns more closely with the genital stage, where sexual maturity and relationships become the primary focus. The mention of the first year of life relates to the oral stage, where basic needs and sensations are predominant. Lastly, the choice regarding ages 3 to 5 pertains more to the phallic stage, where children become aware of differences between sexes and start to form their sexual identity. Therefore, recognizing that the latency stage properly encompasses the ages from approximately 5 years old until the onset of puberty reflects an accurate understanding of Freudian psychosexual development stages.