Am J Psychiatry 1975; 132:602-606
Copyright © 1975 by American Psychiatric Association
A biological basis for the Oedipus complex: an evolutionary and ethological approach
AD Jonas and DF Jonas
The authors propose that the Oedipus complex has a strong biological basis
that is evident in observations of human prehistoric and nonhuman primate
behavior. The groundwork for the oedipal phase is the peaking of human
infantile sexuality at age five or six-a vestige of an earlier biological
timetable. Other contributing factors include the high level of
helplessness of human infants, the resulting high attachment needs, and the
prolongation of development phases. Unsuccessful resolution of the oedipal
phase may result when the mother's dominant status is lowered. The authors
suggest that an understanding of the relationship between sex and rank and
an wareness of ethological findings can broaden psychodynamic formulations
and enrich the psychoanalytic therapy of sexual problems.
