The Oedipus complex is thought to occur during which of the following developmental stages?
Exam Question Jul 2015
Exam Question Dec 2014
Psychosexual development
The psychosexual theory of development was the work of Freud. It outlines a number of stages and is quite deep and complex. The table below serves to highlight information that tends to come up in the exams only and is not meant to be a comprehensive overview.
| Stage | Range | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Oral | 0-18 months | Pleasure and needs explored though sucking, swallowing and biting |
| Anal | 18-36 months | Pleasure and need explore through bowel and bladder, through both elimination and retention |
| Phallic | 3-5 years | During this phase, boys pass through the Oedipal complex and girls the Electra complex. Girls are also said to develop penis envy in this stage |
| Latency | 5-puberty | The sexual drive remains latent during this stage |
| Genital | Puberty-adulthood | During this stage a person achieves independence from their parents and forms intimate relationships with others |
