Which developmental stage starts at age 6 and lasts until the onset of puberty?

The latency stage, which begins around age 6 and continues until the onset of puberty, is a significant period in psychosexual development as proposed by Sigmund Freud. During this stage, children's sexual feelings are largely suppressed, allowing them to focus on developing social skills, friendships, and intellectual abilities. It is characterized by a time of relative calm in terms of sexual development, where children engage in same-sex peer relationships and form bonds outside of the family unit.

This stage is important as it sets the foundation for future social interactions and helps in the development of self-confidence and teamwork. Children typically engage in activities that involve discovery, learning, and the development of various talents. It’s during this period that children start to learn the rules of society and develop a sense of morality, which can lead to a more complex understanding of relationships as they approach puberty. The focus on skills and friendships during this latency phase prepares children for the more tumultuous adolescent years ahead.