During which stage do sexual drives typically become less prominent?

The correct answer is the latency stage. The latency stage is a period in psychosexual development proposed by Sigmund Freud that occurs roughly from ages 6 to puberty. During this stage, sexual drives and urges are believed to become less prominent as children focus more on social interactions, friendships, and skill development rather than on sexual interests. This is characterized by a relative calm in terms of sexual motivation, as children are more engaged in play and learning rather than in exploring their sexuality.

In contrast to the latency stage, the oral, anal, and phallic stages are all characterized by more pronounced sexual drives. During the oral stage, for example, the infant derives pleasure from oral stimulation. The anal stage focuses on the child’s control over bodily functions, which can be related to sexual feelings as well. The phallic stage is where the Oedipus and Electra complexes emerge, highlighting a child’s awareness of their genitals and sexual identity. Thus, the latency stage is unique in that it marks a significant shift towards the absence of overt sexual drives.