According to psychoanalytic theory, the Oedipus and Electra complexes refer to

• A. a child developing a sexual attraction to the opposite-sex parent and displaying jealousy of the same-sex parent.
• B. a person trying to become like someone else to deal with an overwhelming sense of anxiety.
• C. the desire for immediate gratification of needs with no regard for the consequences.
• D. a way of dealing with stress by unconsciously distorting one's perception of reality.

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the context of psychoanalytic theory, which was developed by Sigmund Freud. This theory emphasizes the influence of the unconscious mind on behavior.
2. Recognize that the Oedipus complex is a concept in Freudian theory where a male child feels desire for his mother and jealousy towards his father, viewing him as a rival.
3. Similarly, the Electra complex, introduced by Carl Jung, is the counterpart for females, where a female child feels desire for her father and jealousy towards her mother.
4. Identify that both complexes involve a child's unconscious sexual attraction to the opposite-sex parent and feelings of rivalry or jealousy towards the same-sex parent.
5. Conclude that the correct interpretation of the Oedipus and Electra complexes is the development of a sexual attraction to the opposite-sex parent and jealousy of the same-sex parent, as per psychoanalytic theory.