Karen J. Prager, Ph.D., A.B.P.P.

Professor of Psychology and  Program Head for Gender Studies

Diplomate in Family Psychology

The University of Texas at Dallas

More Information About Dr. Prager's work

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Research on Intimacy

Processes in Couple Relationships 

Teaching and Professional Practice

Selected Papers and Publications

 

For Students:

 

 

Oedipal & Electra Conflicts

*  Developmental turning point

*  During phallic stage

Steps of conflict:

•Phallic-stage child discovers own libido & sexual/romantic longings

•Child falls in love with opposite-sex parent

•Feels jealous of same-sex parent

•Steps for boys

•Jealousy stimulates aggressive fantasies

–Child wants opposite sex parent for self alone

–Aggressive fantasies cause severe anxiety 

•Anxiety leads to repression of love & aggressive feelings

•Steps for girls

•Jealousy stimulates feelings of inferiority

–Girl has “penis envy”

–

–Penis envy & inferiority feelings cause anxiety

•Anxiety leads to repression of love, penis envy, and inferiority feelings

•Superego develops simultaneously with repression of love, aggression, & inferiority.

•Superego watches that id impulses do not erupt in immoral behavior.

–Boy identifies with father

–Girl identifies with mother

–In order to eventually have a mate like the opposite sex parent.

•Repression of love/sexual feelings leads to latency stage.