The Phallic stage (roughly ages 3 to 5) involves which complex?

The Phallic stage (roughly ages 3 to 5) involves which complex?

• A. Oedipus or Electra complex
• B. Electra complex only
• C. Oedipus complex only
• D. Castration anxiety

Answer: (A)

During the Phallic stage, roughly ages 3 to 5, the central issue is the Oedipus complex for boys and the Electra complex for girls. In this stage children have unconscious sexual feelings for the opposite-sex parent and view the same-sex parent as a rival. The tension is typically resolved through identification with the same-sex parent, which helps develop gender identity and moral understanding. Castration anxiety is a key element that Freud discussed within this process for boys, helping push resolution, but the broader concept is the combination of Oedipus and Electra dynamics across genders. So the option that includes both Oedipus and Electra complexes best captures what’s involved during this stage.

During the Phallic stage, roughly ages 3 to 5, the central issue is the Oedipus complex for boys and the Electra complex for girls. In this stage children have unconscious sexual feelings for the opposite-sex parent and view the same-sex parent as a rival. The tension is typically resolved through identification with the same-sex parent, which helps develop gender identity and moral understanding. Castration anxiety is a key element that Freud discussed within this process for boys, helping push resolution, but the broader concept is the combination of Oedipus and Electra dynamics across genders. So the option that includes both Oedipus and Electra complexes best captures what’s involved during this stage.