Social Work Examination Services (SWES) Human Behavior Practice Test

During which stage does a clear delineation of the superego occur?

1. Infancy stage

2. Latency stage

3. Adolescence stage

4. Early childhood stage

The correct answer is: Latency stage

The latency stage is a crucial period in psychosexual development, typically occurring from around age six to puberty. During this stage, children develop social skills and begin to engage with peers outside the family unit. It is during this time that the superego becomes more pronounced. The superego represents the moral conscience and societal standards that regulate behavior. As children interact with their peers and learn social norms, they start to internalize these values, which influences their sense of right and wrong. The development of the superego is particularly significant as it helps guide children's behavior in social contexts, thus marking a clearer understanding of moral guidelines compared to prior stages, where the id and ego were more dominant. In contrast, the early childhood stage primarily focuses on the growth of the ego and the resolution of the Oedipus or Electra complex, while the infancy stage is dominated by the id's basic instincts. Adolescence involves further development of the superego but hinges on the foundation established in the latency stage as individuals navigate more complex moral dilemmas and social expectations. Therefore, the latency stage stands out as the time when the superego clearly delineates, reflecting the child's growing awareness of societal rules and morals.