the phallic stage of Psychosexual Development
(3-5/6 Years Old)

Sensitivity is now concentrated in the genitals, and masturbation (in both sexes) becomes a new source of pleasure.  The child becomes aware of anatomical sex differences (Phallic comes from the Greek word meaning penis), which marks the beginning of the Oedipus complex in males and the electra complex in females.  Both boys and girls experience conflicting emotions relation to there same, and opposite sex parents.   how successfully these are resolved is crucial for future personality development.  It is through the resolution of the Oedipus complex that a child’s superego and sex role are acquired.