The concept was first introduced by Sigmund Freud in his theory ofpsychosexual stages of development.
We also share ongoing issues and criticisms of this concept, helping you understand the challenges it has faced.
The concept became increasingly important as he continued to develop his theory of psychosexual development.
Verywell / Joshua Seong
In the Greek myth, Oedipus is abandoned at birth and thus does not know who his parents are.
It is only after he had killed his father and married his mother that he learns their true identities.
How Does the Oedipus Complex Work?
In Freud’s theory, children progress through a series of stages of psychosexual development.
At each stage, the subconscious mind is centered on pleasure related to a certain region of the body.
At what age does the Oedipus complex occur?
The Oedipal complex occurs in the phallic stage of psychosexual development, between the ages of three and five.
The phallic stage serves as an important point in forming a sexual identity.
It was Freud’s views of female sexuality that were perhaps his most heavily criticized.
Freud himself admitted thathis understanding of womenwas perhaps less than fully realized.
How Is the Oedipus Complex Resolved?
Influence of the Id and Ego
So how does a child go about resolving the Oedipus complex?
In addition, the boy also has a positive attachment to the father.
Emergence of the Superego
To handle the conflict, thedefense mechanismknown as identification kicks in.
What If the Oedipus Complex Is Not Resolved?
An unresolved Oedipus complex can lead to challenges in achieving mature adult romantic relationships and conflicts with same-sex competitiveness.
Psychoanalysis focuses on helping resolve these conflicts.
Criticisms and Other Explanations
Is the Oedipus complex a real thing?
Other theories have emerged to describe parent-child attachments.
Attachment theory, in particular, offers an alternative explanation for many of the behaviors that Freud described.
This approach emerged during the 1950s through the work of psychologistsJohn BowlbyandMary Ainsworth.
According to attachment theory, early childhood emotional bonds serve as a source of safety and security.
They can evaluate these symptoms and make recommendations that can help your child.
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