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Arguments are advanced in support of a 'motor-drive' in the psycho-analytic sense of that term. The dominant period is from early in the second year till the end of latency, during which time it is possible to speak of a motor phase of libido and ego development. The motor activity of the organism has significant connection with almost every emotional striving and every environmental relationship, including the inanimate. Objects impose their qualities on motility which becomes one of the main means of reality testing and ego integration.
During the first year of life, motor patterns are often generalized and rhythmic and show developmental and individual alterations. A regression to earlier generalized motor patterns may occur under stress or in pathological conditions. The rocking habits of blind and institutionalized children are instanced. Sustained restriction of motility during the motor phase may lead to anxiety reactions, and compensatory overactivity and anxiety arising from other sources may interfere with motor activity. In conflict situations motor behaviour gives evidence of compromise formation, substitution, reaction formation, and alternate doing and undoing.
Fixation at and regression to early levels of motor