| Abstract: | Latency in Freud's psycho-sexual model is questioned as a somewhat perilous notion, seldom experienced indeed as a latent period as regards sexual and other drives. This appears to be reflected in the literature. Instead, the author suggests following Hartung with regard to a latency mode rather than a latency stage: the latency mode refers to a mind-set into which it is desirable to enter when engaged in learning, at whatever age, and wherever the learning situation. The perils of latency are then also those factors that inhibit that mind-set, and therefore the capacity to learn; six major factors are then considered in relation to difficulties in learning, mainly drawing upon examples in the setting of further and higher education. |
