Glossary A
Glossary A
Deutsch: Analretentivität / Español: Retentividad anal / Português: Retenção anal / Français: Rétention anale / Italiano: Ritentività anale
Anal retentiveness is a psychological concept rooted in Freudian psychoanalytic theory, specifically within the framework of psychosexual development. It describes a personality trait or behavioral pattern characterized by excessive orderliness, stubbornness, and a preoccupation with control, often linked to unresolved conflicts during the anal stage of childhood development. While the term originates from early 20th-century psychoanalysis, it remains relevant in contemporary discussions of personality structure and maladaptive behaviors.
Anal sphincter refers to a ringlike muscle that surrounds the anus; it usually relaxes during normal physiological functioning.
Anal-expulsive character (Freud) refers to a character type that results from a fixation at the early anal stage.
Anal-retentive character (Freud) refers to a character type that results from a fixation at the late anal stage.