The Oedipus complex is a psychoanalytic theory proposed by Sigmund Freud that describes a child’s feelings of desire for their opposite-sex parent and jealousy and anger toward their same-sex parent. The complex is thought to occur during the phallic stage of psychosexual development, which is typically between the ages of 3 and 6.
In the case of a boy, the Oedipus complex arises because the boy develops unconscious sexual (pleasurable) desires for his mother. Envy and Jealous are aimed at the father, the object of the mother’s affection and attention. The boy fears that his father will castrate him if he finds out about his desires, so he represses them. This repression is thought to lead to the development of the superego, the part of the personality that is responsible for morality and self-control.
The Oedipus complex is thought to be resolved when the boy identifies with his father and gives up his desire for his mother. This identification is thought to help the boy develop a sense of masculinity and a conscience.
The Oedipus complex is a controversial theory, and there is no scientific evidence to prove that it exists. However, it remains an influential concept in psychology, and it has been used to explain a variety of behaviours, including jealousy, rivalry, and aggression.
Here are some of the possible causes of the Oedipus complex:
Some experts believe that the Oedipus complex may be influenced by genetics. This is supported by the fact that the complex has been observed in children from different cultures and backgrounds.
The way a child is raised can also play a role in the development of the Oedipus complex. For example, if a child is raised in a household where there is a lot of conflict between the parents, the child may be more likely to develop the complex.
If a child experiences trauma during their early years, it can also contribute to the developments of the Oedipus complex. This is because trauma can interfere with the normal process of psychosexual development.