the oedipus and electra complex

when may the oedipus or electra complex occur?

in the phallic stage

what is the oedipus complex?

• arises because the boy develops sexual desires for his mother and wants to rid of his father to possess his mother

• worries if father finds out he would take away his penis so develops castration anxiety

how is the oedipus complex resolved?

by copying masculine father-like behaviours (identification)

what is identification?

internally adopting the values, attitudes and behaviours of another person

what is the consequence of identification for a boy that has developed an oedipus complex?

the boy will take on the male gender role and adopts an ego ideal and values that become the superego

what is the electra complex?

• when a girl desires the father but realises she doesn’t have a penis so develops penis envy and wishes to be a boy

• girl blames her mother for her castrated state, creating tension

how is the electra complex resolved?

• the girl represses her desire for her father

• substitutes the wish for a penis with the wish for a baby

• represses feelings towards mother and identifies with the mother to take on the female gender role