The Oedipus complex is one of the most controversial theories Sigmund Freud developed. Freud was an Austrian neurologist and founder of the concept of psychoanalysis. The Oedipus complex states that young boys see their mothers as a primary object of sexual desire. This desire then subsequently sparks a rivalry between fathers and sons because young boys want to replace their fathers. Freud names his theory the Oedipus complex after the main character in the Greek tragedy "Oedipus Rex." In the story, Oedipus kills his father and marries his mother.


1. Psychosexual Theory

Freud's psychological theories frequently revolved around sex and sexual desires. He believed that humans are born with an instinctual libido. The libido is the source of sexual energy, awareness, and desire. Freud's psychosexual stage theory states that all children, boys, and girls, pass through five stages to develop their sexuality and personality. The five stages are called the oral, anal, phallic, latent, and genital stages. The Oedipus complex comes into play during the phallic stage when children are between the ages of 3 and 6 years old.

libido Oedipus complex

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