OEDIPUS COMPLEX Meaning and
Definition
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The Oedipus Complex is a psychoanalytic concept coined by Sigmund Freud, which refers to a psychological stage of development during childhood. It derives its name from the Greek mythological character Oedipus, who unknowingly killed his father and married his own mother.
According to Freud, the Oedipus Complex occurs in the phallic stage of psychosexual development, typically between the ages of three and five. At this stage, a child develops an unconscious desire for the opposite-sex parent and experiences rivalry and hostility towards the same-sex parent. Boys exhibit the Oedipus Complex, while girls experience a similar concept known as the Electra Complex.
The complex involves a mixture of feelings, including both love and hate towards the parent of the opposite gender. The child may experience jealousy towards the same-sex parent and may fantasize about replacing them in the affections of the opposite-sex parent. These feelings, along with associated feelings of guilt and fear, are believed to arise due to the child's developing sexual and emotional awareness.
The Oedipus Complex plays a significant role in the formation of the superego, the moral and social conscience within an individual. The resolution of the complex occurs when the child identifies with the same-sex parent and internalizes their values, thus forming their superego. Failure to successfully navigate this stage may lead to psychological conflicts and issues in adulthood, such as difficulty in forming healthy relationships or engaging in emotional intimacy.
Overall, the Oedipus Complex is a complex and influential concept in psychoanalysis that explores the dynamics of childhood development and the unconscious desires and conflicts that can shape an individual's psyche.
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A complex of hysterical symptoms assumed to be due to a suppressed erotic passion of a young man for his own mother.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for OEDIPUS COMPLEX
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- 9edipus complex
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- oedupus complex
Etymology of OEDIPUS COMPLEX
The term "Oedipus Complex" was coined by Sigmund Freud, the famous Austrian psychoanalyst, in reference to a psychological theory he developed. The term is derived from the Greek mythological character Oedipus, who unknowingly kills his father and marries his mother, thus fulfilling a prophecy. The story of Oedipus was first mentioned in the ancient Greek tragedies by Sophocles, specifically in his play "Oedipus Rex" (also known as "Oedipus the King"), which was written around 429 BC. Freud adopted the name "Oedipus" to describe a specific stage of psychosexual development in children, where they experience strong, conflicting emotions towards their opposite-sex parent while perceiving their same-sex parent as a rival.
Similar spelling word for OEDIPUS COMPLEX
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