Theory of Personality (D564) Practice Exam

What complex in psychoanalytic theory refers to a child's feelings of desire for the opposite-sex parent?

1. Electra

2. Oedipus

3. Thanatos

4. Super-ego

The correct answer is: Oedipus

The Oedipus complex is a central concept in psychoanalytic theory, developed by Sigmund Freud. It describes a child's feelings of desire for the opposite-sex parent and jealousy toward the same-sex parent. This phenomenon typically occurs during the phallic stage of psychosexual development, which occurs approximately between the ages of 3 and 6. Freud named the complex after the character Oedipus from Greek mythology, who unknowingly killed his father and married his mother. The significance of the Oedipus complex lies in its implications for the formation of a child's identity and their relationships in later life. According to Freud, navigating these feelings is crucial for healthy psychological development, as it helps a child learn to identify with the same-sex parent and adopt gender roles. In contrast, the other options pertain to different constructs within psychoanalytic theory or aspects of personality. For instance, the Electra complex is similar but specifically refers to girls' psychosexual competition with their mothers for their fathers' affection. Thanatos represents the death drive, describing the instinctual drive towards aggression and self-destruction, while the super-ego is the aspect of personality that holds the morals and ideals of society, acting as a counterbalance to the id.