oral phase

The first stage in the psycho-sexual development of the personality, which occurs at ages up to two years. During this phase, the infant seeks pleasure by stimulating the mouth and oral cavity and experiences the world through literal or psychic incorporation. According to Freudian theory, during this age the zone of sexual pleasure is the oral cavity, which explains the intense satisfaction the infant derives from nursing. Self-concept and feelings of personal worth are usually said to develop during this stage.