An empirical validation of the Oedipus complex

Author(s): Greve, W.

Journal/Book: Z Entwicklungspsychol Padago. 1996; 28: Rohnsweg 25, D-37085 Gottingen, Germany. Hogrefe-Verlag GmbH & Co. 295-315.

Abstract: This study aims at the empirical validation of the so called Oedipus complex, which was introduced by Freud nearly a century ago to specify a period in child development. The authors' principal goal is to scrutinize whether this period can actually be considered deterministic, universal, and invariant, as postulated by Freud. Employing a refined multi-method approach, 128 children (67 girls and 61 boys), aged three to nine years, and their parents were investigated. The children, primarily focusing on their emotional preferences, were examined by means of a structured interview which included projective and semi-projective techniques. The various child centered measures were completed by the exploration of the parents' questionnaire. Significant effects supporting the theory were not found using any of the measures. Since various possible objections to the methods used could be comtered, these data suggest in general that a central core of psychoanalytic theory is untenable.

Note: Article Roos J, Univ Saarland, Fr Psychol, Univ Campus Bau 1, D-66123 Saarbrucken, GERMANY

Keyword(s): theories of development; Oedipus complex; empirical validation; PSYCHOANALYSIS

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