During which stage do children repress their sexual impulses while developing cognitive skills?

The latency stage is characterized by a period in which children begin to repress their sexual impulses and focus on developing cognitive and social skills. This stage, typically occurring from approximately ages 6 to puberty, is crucial for fostering relationships with peers, engaging in team activities, and pursuing academic interests without the turbulence of sexual identity development. During this time, children tend to channel their energy into learning, hobbies, and friendships, solidifying their social identities while subduing sexual feelings that were more prevalent in earlier stages of development.

In contrast, the other stages focus on different aspects of psychosexual development. The oral stage centers on pleasure derived from oral activities, while the phallic stage involves the recognition of anatomical differences and the formation of gender identity. The anal stage is associated with the control of bodily functions and the development of independence. Understanding these distinctions clarifies why the latency stage is specifically associated with the repression of sexual impulses while children enhance their cognitive and social skills.