Which of the following stages of psychosexual development is commonly characterised by the Electra complex and Oedipus complex?

Appeared in: DSSSB October 2024

Explanation

The Phallic stage, occurring from ages 3 to 6, is the third stage in Freud's theory of psychosexual development.
During this stage, the child's libido (sexual energy) is focused on the genitals.
It is uniquely characterized by the emergence of the Oedipus complex in boys (desire for the mother, rivalry with the father) and the Electra complex in girls (desire for the father, rivalry with the mother).
Successful resolution of this stage involves identifying with the same-sex parent, which is crucial for the development of gender identity and the superego.

Option A: The Oral stage (birth to 1 year) focuses on pleasure derived from the mouth, such as sucking and feeding, not on the genital conflicts seen in the Phallic stage.
Option C: The Genital stage begins at puberty and focuses on mature, adult sexual relationships outside the family. The Oedipus and Electra complexes are typically resolved long before this stage begins.
Option D: The Anal stage (1 to 3 years) centers on conflicts related to toilet training and control over bodily functions. The primary focus is on the anus, not the genitals.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Freud's Stages of Psychosexual Development as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Understanding Freud's developmental stages helps nurses recognize how early childhood experiences can shape adult personality and behaviors.
Nurses can use this framework to assess for potential developmental fixations that may manifest as psychological symptoms or coping mechanisms in patients.
For example, a patient with extreme anxiety about control might have unresolved issues from the anal stage. This insight can guide therapeutic communication and care planning.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key terms in the question: 'psychosexual development', 'Electra complex', and 'Oedipus complex'.
Recognize that these concepts are central to Sigmund Freud's psychoanalytic theory.
Recall the five stages of Freud's theory: Oral, Anal, Phallic, Latency, and Genital.
Systematically associate the key conflict with each stage. The Oedipus and Electra complexes are the defining conflicts of a specific stage.
Evaluate the options: The Oral stage is about the mouth, the Anal stage is about toilet training, and the Genital stage is about adult relationships. The Phallic stage is correctly associated with the Oedipus and Electra complexes.
Select the option that correctly links the complexes to the developmental stage.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Psychology Baron Misra 5e Part 2 p. 86-88

E6 Nursing Fundamentals Potter Perry 12e Part 1 p. 163-165

E6 Kaplan Sadock's Synopsis of Psychiatry-2022 (pp 1-3768 of 3768) p. 3332-3334

Practise the full DSSSB October 2024

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.