What aspect of personality development does psychosexual theory emphasize?

Psychosexual theory, developed by Sigmund Freud, emphasizes the role of early childhood experiences and the interactions between a child's drives and their environment in shaping personality development. Central to this theory is the idea that parents influence their child's ability to manage instinctual drives, particularly aggressive and sexual urges, through guidance and support during critical developmental stages.

Freud proposed that as children go through specific psychosexual stages (oral, anal, phallic, latency, and genital), they encounter different conflicts and challenges related to their desires and how they are managed. The way in which parents respond to these drives can significantly affect a child's ability to navigate social norms, regulate emotions, and develop a healthy personality.

By focusing on how parents help children manage aggressive drives, this answer captures the essence of psychosexual theory. It reflects the belief that the parental role in addressing and guiding children through their natural tendencies is vital for proper psychological development.