I sucked my thumb until I was 12, was this because my mother breastfed me too long?

Question

I have a limited knowledge of psychology, and my teacher today was discussing the oral phase (Freud's) and about how if you breastfed your child too long they would become orally fixated.

This fits me because I sucked my thumb until I was 12 and then went on to chew on the insides of my mouth, chew on my thumbs (not bite my nails), chew on pen caps, pens, bottles, etc.

Is Freud's orally fixated theory correct?

Is it still used today in actual Psychology?

Why did I suck my thumb until I was 12?

Thanks!

Answer 1

I think it's more of a habit than anything else.  Probably a soothing habit.  Not at all uncommon...

As for Freud and psychology, he was a great man in his time and yes, we still study his theories.  He was the father of psychoanalysis and made great strides in the world of the subconscious.  Hats off to him...

Answer 2

I'd like to know this as well. I have the same question/issue at hand.

Answer 3

First off its a theory its not for sure. I believe sigmund dealt more with how the mind works and human nature, rather than habits. I don't consider him an expert. I really am chewing a pen right now as I type this answer, you don't chew on a pen for anything else but to keep your mouth busy for awhile.