The oedipal complex Oedipus Rex

Sigmund Freud, father of modern psychology Freud is the one who identified the three areas of our personality structures: the id, ego, superego The id: primal instinct, self-gratifying, survivalist The superego: our moral compass. It is often against the id, for it is righteous The ego: the rational mediator. It works between the superego and id and should be the one making the decisions

The iceberg analogy Freud used the iceberg analogy to explain how conscious a person is of his personality structure. Because the id is the largest part of our personality, it is the bottom of the iceberg. It is unconscious; it is inherent; it acts for self-preservation. The ego and superego are above the water; the water representing consciousness. The ego is built through human interactions, and the ego is instilled through parenting and culture; both are semi-conscious.

Scenario one a building is on fire. You notice that people are trapped inside. How do the three structures respond? The id: get as far away from the building as possible The superego: run in and save people! The ego: get help quick!

The importance of a balanced ego The ego Must keep the id and superego in check. If not, a person risks having an unbalanced personality, which may lead to psychosis or disorders. If the id takes over, the person can act upon deviant behavior (crimes) If the superego takes over, the person can be too self-righteous (suicide bombers)

Scenario two You are in love with your friend’s boy/girlfriend. HOW WILL THE ID RESPOND? HOW WILL THE SUPEREGO RESPOND? HOW DOES A BALANCED EGO RESPOND?

SCENARIO THREE A FRIEND OFFERS YOU ANSWERS TO A TEST FOR A CLASS YOU ARE FAILING. HOW WILL THE ID RESPOND? HOW WILL THE SUPEREGO RESPOND? HOW DOES A BALANCED EGO RESPOND?

APPLY THIS TO OEDIPUS HE IS PUSHED AND HIT BY MEN ON THE ROAD. HOW DOES THE ID RESPOND? HOW SHOULD THE SUPEREGO RESPOND? HOW DOES EGO RESPOND?

OEDIPAL COMPLEX FREUD COINED THE TERM IN 1910 BASED ON SOPHOCLES’ PLAY OEDIPUS REX/ OEDIPUS THE KING. HE LATER CALLED IT “THE NUCLEAR COMPLEX” OEDIPUS SAYS THAT “EVERY NEW ARRIVAL ON EARTH IS FACED WITH MASTERING THE OEDIPUS COMPLEX…(MEN) ARE ALL DESTINED TO DIRECT (THEIR) FIRST SEXUAL IMPULSES TOWARDS (THEIR) MOTHERS, AND (THEIR) FIRST IMPULSES OF HATRED AND VIOLENCE TOWARDS (THEIR) FATHERS… LIKE OEDIPUS, WE LIVE IN IGNORANCE OF THE DESIRES THAT NATURE HAS FORCED UPON US.”

JOCASTA: “HAVE NO MORE FEAR OF SLEEPING WITH YOUR MOTHER: HOW MANY MEN, IN DREAMS, HAVE LAIN WITH THEIR MOTHERS!” FREUD BASED HIS OEDIPUL COMPLEX ON… DREAMS MYTHOLOGY LITTLE HANS

Psychosexual stages First stage (0-1 year): the baby gets a lot of pleasure from eating and mouthing, as it explores and understands the world around him Second stage (1-3 years old): the toddler must learn to potty train. This causes a lot of stress, as the child understands that society has expectations. Third stage (4-5/6): child learns gender difference Fourth stage (6- puberty): gender difference is no difference. Platonic relationships. Fifth stage (puberty-adulthood): gender difference is a difference. Relationships between genders will never be the same. Based on the descriptions, where do you think the oedipal complex happens?

Journal entry Based on your understanding of the oedipal complex, do you agree with Freud? If so, explain with personal observations or experiences. If not, also explain your answer.