Libido

Libido - sexual desire: this term is often used to refer to the strength of sexual desire. In the theory of psychoanalysis, libido (similar to the death instinct) is considered one of the main sources of energy for all mental life. Normal development (see Psychosexual development) can be changed through fixation at a certain level and regression.

Libido: Understanding and essence of sexual desire

Libido is a term widely used to refer to the strength of sexual desire and sexual energy in human psychology. Introduced by the famous Austrian psychoanalyst Sigmund Freud, libido plays an important role in his theory of psychoanalysis, where it is considered one of the main sources of energy that determines the mental life of an individual.

The concept of libido comes from a Latin word that means “desire” or “lust.” Freud used this concept to describe the instinctive sexual force that is present in every person. He believed that libido is the main driver of behavior, influencing individual aspirations, desires and passions.

According to Freud's psychoanalytic theory, libido develops during childhood as part of psychosexual development. This process includes several stages, such as the oral, anal, phallic and genital stages, and is associated with the development of various erogenous zones. The normal development of psychosexuality involves libido moving from one stage to another, reaching maturity in the genital stage.

However, Freud also noted that incomplete or dysfunctional psychosexual development can lead to fixation at a certain stage. Fixation at a particular level may mean that an individual retains special interests, aspirations, and behaviors associated with that stage of development. For example, fixation in the oral stage may involve excessive sucking of fingers or other objects, while fixation in the anal stage may be associated with control and perfectionism.

In addition to fixation, Freud also introduced the concept of regression, which describes the return of libido to previous stages of development in response to stressful situations or conflicts. Regression can manifest itself in various forms, from emotional withdrawal to childish behavior or even sexual fantasies.

It is important to note that modern psychological research has expanded the understanding of sexuality and sexual desire beyond psychoanalytic theory. Today, libido is seen as a broader concept, encompassing not only sexual energy, but also overall vitality, motivation and passion.

In conclusion, libido is a concept that describes the strength of sexual desire and sexual energy in psychology. Introduced by Sigmund Freud, libido plays an important role in his psychoanalytic theory, where it is considered one of the main sources of energy that shapes mental life. The concept of libido is associated with psychosexual development, which includes several stages, and can be changed through fixation at a certain level and regression. However, modern research is expanding the understanding of sexuality and sexual desire, viewing libido as a broader concept that encompasses overall vitality and motivation.

Libido in a broad sense is a person’s attraction determined by his gender identity. Another meaning of the word refers to sexual instincts associated with a person’s ability to reproduce. From a medical point of view, the term is identified with the concept of “sexual function”. The normal functioning of sexual function is not only a physiological, but also a psychological issue. In the process of social adaptation, the individual develops models of relationships with significant persons. The individual internalizes social norms - they form a certain cultural norm in people, which includes the desire to establish strong social ties with other members of the group. Also in the culture a certain norm of gender-role behavior is formed in one or another