Fixation

In psychology, fixation is defined as the unbalanced preoccupation with a particular phase, target, or behavior, often grounded in unresolved conflicts or unfulfilled needs. This construct was coined by Sigmund Freud in his psychosexual theory, where he claimed individuals may become fixated at a stage of development if pivotal conflicts are not resolved. He also claimed that such fixations may eventually develop into particular adult personality traits or behaviors. In psychoanalysis, fixation also denotes obsessive thoughts or attachments. For example, an adult who is overly dependent on others and constantly seeks approval may, in the context of classical theory, have an oral-stage fixation as a consequence of childhood dependency.