ASWB LCSW Social Work Clinical Practice Exam

What describes the Oedipus complex?

1. A child's fear of authority

2. A child's bond with their father

3. A male child's sexual desire for his mother

4. A child's conflict over sexual feelings

The correct answer is: A male child's sexual desire for his mother

The Oedipus complex is a concept developed by Sigmund Freud that describes a male child's unconscious sexual desire for his mother and jealousy toward his father. This theory posits that during the phallic stage of development, which typically occurs between the ages of three and six, a boy experiences these feelings and perceives his father as a rival for his mother’s affection. This complex plays a critical role in the psychosocial development of a child, as it influences the formation of the child's identity and the eventual internalization of societal norms and the father’s role. Understanding the dynamics of the Oedipus complex is significant in various therapeutic contexts, as it addresses underlying issues of familial relationships and emotional development during crucial formative years. Thus, the correct answer accurately reflects the primary focus of the Oedipus complex in Freudian theory.