Anal retentive

The term anal retentive (or anally retentive) is one of a variety of examples of Freudian terminology which have found their way into common usage with a slight shift in the original meaning.

Freudian terminology

Sigmund Freud proposed that in a child's early years there is a pre-occupation with the mouth. This is known as the "oral stage".

Related Topics:
Sigmund Freud - Oral stage

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Then the child typically moves on to the "anal stage" which is characterised by the child deriving pleasure from bowel movements. The child discovers the pleasure which comes from the exercise of power (in this instance the power to hold on or let go).

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After the anal stage the child's development will be able to move on to the "phallic stage" when the child's focus of attention will shift to the genital region. Freud believed that conflicts with parents and delays during toilet training can cause a person to become fixated on anal control, which later manifests itself as a compulsive concern with order and cleanliness.

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In this original sense, the term means simply that a person has retained traits from the anal stage of psychosexual development.

Related Topics:
Anal stage - Psychosexual

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Criticism

Critics of Freud's theories believe the subscribing to a single simplistic theory to explain compulsive cleanliness in adults can prevent the exploration of other possible causes.

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Popular Culture

Phil Hartman played a series of popular characters on the NBC sketch comedy show "Saturday Night Live", including the 'Anal Retentive Sportsman' and the 'Anal Retentive Carpenter'.

Related Topics:
Phil Hartman - NBC - Saturday Night Live

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