The Oedipus Complex is thought to occur in the phallic stage of psychosexual development. This is the stage where the child’s libido is focused on the genitals and the Oedipal conflict is resolved.
The Oedipus Complex is a stage of psychosexual development that occurs during the phallic stage of development. This stage covers ages 3 to 6 for girls and ages 4 to 7 for boys. It is named after the Greek mythological figure, King Oedipus, who unknowingly killed his father and married his mother. The term was first used by Sigmund Freud in his book “The Interpretation of Dreams.”
The Oedipus Complex can be defined as a boy’s sexual desire for his mother and jealousy towards his father, which arises during this period of development. It is resolved when he learns that he cannot have both parents at once because they belong to each other only (and not exclusively to him).
In order for this complex to develop, it must first be possible for children to identify themselves as male or female — this occurs around age 2-3 years old. In addition, children must be able to see themselves as distinct from their parents — around age 4-5 years old.
