NBPTS Exceptional Needs Specialist Practice Exam

What is a common manifestation of stress in individuals who become fixated at Freud's oral stage?

1. Nail biting

2. Overconfidence

3. Emotional withdrawal

4. Compulsive eating

The correct answer is: Nail biting

Nail biting is a common manifestation of stress in individuals who are fixated at Freud's oral stage, which is the first of his psychosexual development stages. During this stage, which typically occurs from birth to about 18 months, the infant's primary source of interaction with the world is through the mouth. This focus on oral stimulation means that behaviors associated with the mouth, such as sucking or biting, can become central to the individual's coping mechanisms later in life. When a person experiences stress and has unresolved conflicts from their oral stage, they may revert to behaviors that provide comfort or gratification, such as nail biting. This behavior can serve as a way to relieve anxiety or tension, as the act of biting provides a physical outlet for emotional distress. The other options do not reflect the behaviors commonly associated with oral fixation. Overconfidence may stem from various psychological factors but is not directly linked to oral fixation. Emotional withdrawal can occur for many reasons and is not exclusive to this psychosexual stage, while compulsive eating might relate more to later stages of development where issues around control and satisfaction are prevalent.