Possessing Sexual Feelings

Definition

In Freud's psychoanalytic theory, possessing sexual feelings refers to the development of erotic desires or attraction towards another person. Specifically, in the context of a young boy's relationship with his mother, it involves experiencing sexual desires for her.

Related terms

Oedipus Complex: The Oedipus Complex is a term in Freud's theory that describes a young boy's unconscious desire for his mother and rivalry with his father.

Castration Anxiety: Castration anxiety refers to the fear experienced by boys during their phallic stage of development that their fathers will punish them by castrating them as a result of their incestuous desires.

Electra Complex: The Electra Complex is similar to the Oedipus Complex but occurs in girls. It represents a girl's unconscious desire for her father and rivalry with her mother.