In Freud's theory of personality, how might a person's fixation at the anal stage manifest through their use of defense mechanisms during free association therapy?

In Freud's theory of personality, the anal stage occurs between the ages of 18 months and 3 years and relates to how a child learns to control their bowel movements. If a person becomes fixated at this stage, they might develop traits like being overly organized or stubborn, which can influence their behavior in therapy. During free association therapy, where a person shares thoughts freely, someone with this fixation might use defense mechanisms like repression to avoid discussing feelings of shame or control related to their upbringing. For example, they might focus on trivial details instead of deeper emotions, showing their struggle with letting go and trusting the process. This behavior reflects their unresolved issues from the anal stage, impacting how they engage with therapy and themselves.