The anal stage of motivational development is characterized by the child's central area of bodily concern in the rectum.
Bowel movements become a source of pleasure to the child.
The child may defecate to receive pleasure. However, gaining pleasure from defecating brings the child into conflict with the parents regarding toilet training. Fixation during the anal stage can result in anal retention in which a person exhibits compulsive cleanliness, ordderliness, or fussiness. What this all means, is that attitudes are made of three components that all influence each other. If one compnent changes, then it influences the entire attitude structure.