Sigmund Freud described the Oedipus Complex and considered it an essential element of psychoanalysis. Its significance has changed significantly since then.
Oedipus in Greek literature is a king of Thebes who unknowingly slays his father and marries his mother.
Positive Oedipus Complex:
(1) The child has sexual desire for the parent of the opposite sex.
(2) The child hates or is jealous of the parent of the same sex.
(3) There is a desire to take the place of the parent of the same sex.
Negative Oedipus Complex:
(1) The child has sexual desire for the parent of the same sex.
(2) The child hates or is jealous of the parent of the opposite sex.
(3) There is a desire to take the place of the parent of the opposite sex.
The child recognizes the threat posed by the hated parent. In boys this may result in castration anxiety.
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