Freud has made many contributions to the development of psychology, firstly the Oedipus/Electra complexes. The Oedipus complex involves the male child, and his desire to have his mother to himself and his father out of the way. However he fears castration by the father. To avoid this, he identifies with the aggressor (father), to adopt his attitudes and traits. The Electra complex on the other hand, is relevant to the female child, and concerns her fear of the loss of her mothers' love, therefore identifying with her mother and adopting her attitudes and traits. Successful resolution of th…
