A Level Psychology OCR Practice Exam

What is the Oedipus complex theorized to entail for boys?

1. Desire for independence

2. Unconscious sexual desire towards the same-sex parent

3. Unconscious sexual desire towards the opposite-sex parent

4. Fear of abandonment

The correct answer is: Unconscious sexual desire towards the opposite-sex parent

The Oedipus complex, a concept introduced by Sigmund Freud, pertains particularly to the psychological and emotional conflicts that arise during the phallic stage of development in boys, typically between the ages of 3 and 6 years. In this context, the Oedipus complex suggests that boys develop an unconscious desire for their mother, which includes feelings of affection, attraction, and a longing for the exclusive attention of the opposite-sex parent. This desire is often accompanied by a rivalry with the same-sex parent, as the boy perceives them as a competitor for the mother's affection. This dynamic influences the boy’s development of his identity and his understanding of gender roles, leading to the eventual resolution of these feelings through identification with the father. Consequently, option C is accurate as it aligns with the central tenet of the Oedipus complex—an unconscious sexual desire directed at the opposite-sex parent, which in this case is the mother. The other choices do not capture the essence of the Oedipus complex. The desire for independence does not address the specific familial dynamics described by Freud. Unconscious sexual desire toward the same-sex parent does not apply, as the Oedipus complex focuses on the opposite-sex parent.