Four-year-old Brandon has watched his father as he has mowed the lawn. This year, Brandon has asked for a lawn mower of his own for his birthday. Freud would say that Brandon is beginning the process of __________ as a way of resolving his Oedipal conflict.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Freud's theory of the Oedipal complex proposes that boys experience sexual desires for their mothers and view their fathers as competition. To resolve this conflict, boys identify with their fathers and adopt their behaviors and attitudes. In this case, Brandon's desire for a lawnmower is symbolic of his desire to be like his father, which is a sign of identification.

Four-Year-Old Brandon Has Watched His Father as He Has Mowed