NBPTS Exceptional Needs Specialist Practice Exam

The latency stage, according to Freud's theory of psychosexual development, is characterized primarily by a focus on personal skills, hobbies, and social interactions. During this stage, which typically spans from around age 6 to puberty, children's sexual urges are not considered to be the focal point of their development. Instead, children engage in activities that foster intellectual growth and social skills, often in the context of friendships and group activities. They become more involved in school, sports, and hobbies, which aids in the development of foundational skills and interests that contribute to their self-esteem and social capabilities.

In this stage, children are also learning to navigate relationships with peers and are more likely to be involved in cooperative play and group learning experiences, rather than focusing on exploring sexuality or intimate relationships, which are more characteristic of other developmental stages. This focus on cultivating abilities and interests helps to provide a period of stability before the onset of puberty, when sexual identity and intimate relationships become more prominent in development.