What is an Oedipus Complex?

Freud believed that the Oedipus complex was a universal experience and was a key part of the human psychological development. The term comes from the Greek play Oedipus Rex by Sophocles, which tells the story of Oedipus, who unknowingly killed his father and married his mother.
The Oedipal relationship between an infant and parent is central to Freudian theory because it is believed to be a source of many psychological problems later in life if it remains unresolved. He believed that children experience an unconscious sexual attraction toward their opposite-sexed parent called “the Electra complex” in girls and toward their same-sexed parent called “the Oedipus complex” in boys. Scientist also stated that children experience jealousy toward their same-sexed parent because he sees them as competition for their opposite sexed parent’s love. This jealousy results from envy over the parent’s attention being diverted away from them toward another child or spouse.
Parents should be aware of the Oedipus complex because children need support and guidance from adults so they can work through these feelings in a healthy way — or at least learn how to manage them in an appropriate manner. In some cases, the Oedipus complex can lead to unhealthy psychological and behavioral problems in adulthood if it goes unresolved. Although it is normal for children to have sexual or romantic feelings for their parents, the Oedipus complex usually resolves itself over time as a child matures and develops a healthier sense of self and identity.