One night after he heard his parents arguing, 12-year-old Wei had a vivid dream in which he saved his mother from being bitten by a large snake. A psychoanalyst would most likely suspect that Wei's dream reflects a(n)

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Wei's dream may reflect the Oedipus complex, a psychoanalytic concept that suggests boys may have unconscious sexual desires towards their mothers and may view their fathers as rivals for their mother's affection. The fact that Wei dreamt of saving his mother from harm may indicate a desire to protect and possess her. The argument between his parents that he heard before sleeping may have triggered this dream. The large snake in the dream may be a symbol for the father figure threatening Wei's relationship with his mother.

One Night After He Heard His Parents Arguing, 12-Year-Old Wei