Where the Oedipus complex focuses on boys coveting their mother’s attention, the Electra complex centers on girls.
It is comparable to theOedipus complexin males.
According to Freud, during female psychosexual development, a young girl is initially attached to her mother.
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Resolving the Electra complex ultimately leads to identification with the same-sex parent.
Not surprisingly, these ideas are controversial and not widely accepted.
Freud developed the underlying ideas of the Electra complex, although he did not term it as such.
It was Jung who dubbed Freud’s feminine Oedipus attitude as the Electra complex.
He felt that Freud emphasized the role sexuality played in motivating human behavior.
Eventually, Jung resigned from his psychoanalytic affiliations and acrimony grew between the two men.
How Does the Electra Complex Work?
If something goes wrong during any of these stages, afixationat that point in development might occur.
A fixation is a persistent focus on an earlier psychosexual stage.
Such fixations, Freud believed, often led to anxiety and played a role inneurosisandmaladaptive behaviorsin adulthood.
The Electra complex develops during the phallic stage of psychosexual development.
Freud did admit that heknew less about the development of girlsthan boys.
Resolving the Electra Complex
A number ofdefense mechanismsplay a role in resolving the Electra complex.
To sort out the conflict, these urges and desires must first be repressed fromconsciousmemory.
That said, research does show that children learn about gender roles and sexuality from their parents.
If you’re concerned about your childssexualized behavior, a mental health professional can conduct an assessment.
They can then make treatment recommendations to address any sexual behavior problems.
Look for treatment options in your area for traditional face-to-face treatment, or consider anonline therapy program.
2022;19(10):5922. doi:10.3390/ijerph19105922
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Basic Books; 1962.
The Theory of Psychoanalysis.Psychoanalytic Review.
Scott J.Electra After Freud: Myth and Culture.
Cornell University Press; 2005.
