During which psychosexual stage does a child become preoccupied with sexual anatomy and gender differences?

The phallic stage is the correct answer because it is during this stage, which typically occurs between the ages of 3 and 6 years, that a child becomes particularly focused on their own body and the idea of gender identity. This stage, according to Sigmund Freud’s psychosexual development theory, is characterized by an exploration of sexual anatomy and the recognition of gender differences. It is also during this phase that children develop a sense of identity related to their gender and may experience phenomena such as the Oedipus complex, where boys identify with their fathers and girls with their mothers.

In contrast, the other stages do not focus specifically on sexual anatomy and gender differences. The oral stage occurs from birth to about 18 months and centers on oral gratification. The anal stage follows, typically from 18 months to about 3 years, and is related to toilet training and control over bodily functions. The latency stage, occurring roughly from ages 6 to puberty, marks a period of relative calm where sexual feelings are largely suppressed as children focus on social relationships and skills development. Thus, the preoccupation with sexual anatomy and understanding of gender predominantly takes place during the phallic stage.