The anal stage, occurring between ages one and three, is the second phase in Freud's psychosexual theory. During this period, a child's pleasure is centered on bowel and bladder control. The primary conflict of this stage is toilet training, where the child works to master self-control. According to Freud, parental approaches to toilet training are critical; positive reinforcement can foster a sense of competence, whereas overly harsh or lenient methods can lead to fixation and the development of specific personality traits in adulthood.