A Level Psychology OCR Practice Exam

What term describes a child's unconscious desire for the opposite-sex parent, according to Freud?

1. Electra complex

2. Oedipus complex

3. Casual complex

4. Rivalry complex

The correct answer is: Oedipus complex

The Oedipus complex is a key concept in Freudian psychoanalysis, referring to a child's unconscious desire for the opposite-sex parent. This idea arises in the context of Freud's theories on psychosexual development, specifically during the phallic stage, which occurs roughly between the ages of three to six. According to Freud, during this stage, boys develop a sense of rivalry with their father for the affection and attention of their mother, leading to feelings of both desire and jealousy. Freud derived the term from the Greek myth of Oedipus, who inadvertently killed his father and married his mother, highlighting the complexities of familial relationships and desires during early childhood. The significance of the Oedipus complex in Freudian theory is that it represents a critical period in the development of a child's identity and the eventual resolution of these feelings contributes to the development of the superego and a child's understanding of gender roles. The other terms listed do not accurately describe this specific aspect of Freudian theory. The Electra complex, for example, pertains to similar feelings in girls towards their fathers but is not the answer to the question about boys. The other options, casual complex and rivalry complex, are not recognized terms in Freudian psychoanalysis related to