In Freud's psychosexual stages, what does the term "fixation" refer to?

In Freud's psychosexual stages, the term "fixation" refers to a situation where an individual has unresolved conflicts during a particular stage of development, which can lead to persistent personality traits later in life. Freud proposed that development occurs in a series of stages where certain psychosexual conflicts must be resolved for healthy psychological development. If conflicts at any of these stages—such as the oral, anal, or phallic stages—are not adequately resolved, the individual may become fixated on that stage. This fixation can manifest as specific behaviors, habits, or personality characteristics that reflect the unresolved issues from that period.

For example, someone with an oral fixation might exhibit behaviors such as smoking or overeating in adulthood, stemming from issues related to dependency and gratification experienced during the oral stage. This concept is integral to Freud's theory, as it highlights the importance of early experiences in shaping personality and behavior. Fixation, therefore, is not an indication of healthy development, but rather a marker of unresolved conflicts that can influence an individual throughout their life.