AP Psychology Practice Test

The Oedipus complex, according to Freud, describes a stage of psychosexual development in which a young boy experiences intense feelings of attraction toward his mother and rivalry with his father. This concept is rooted in Freud's interpretation of the myth of Oedipus, who unwittingly killed his father and married his mother. Freud believed that these feelings typically emerge during the phallic stage of development, around the ages of three to six years.

This psychological conflict is significant in Freud's theory because it represents a child's developing sexual identity and the interplay between familial relationships. As the child navigates these emotions, they also come to identify more with the father, which Freud argued ultimately helps in the development of the child's superego and gender identity.

In contrast, the Electra complex refers to a similar dynamic but involves a girl's feelings toward her father and rivalry with her mother. Fixation is a concept related to unresolved conflicts during any stage of psychosexual development, which can result in behaviors associated with that stage persisting into adulthood, while repression is a defense mechanism that involves unconsciously blocking unwanted thoughts or feelings. Understanding the Oedipus complex is critical for grasping Freud's broader theories on human psychology and the development of personality.