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What is it called when a mother and son are in love?

Published in Psychology Concepts 1 min read

The term for when a mother has sexual desire or is in love with her son is called the Jocasta complex.

Understanding the Jocasta Complex

The Jocasta complex is a psychological concept, analogous to the Oedipus complex. Here's a breakdown:

  • Origin: According to the provided reference, the Jocasta complex is named after Jocasta, a Greek queen in mythology who unknowingly married her own son, Oedipus.

  • Relationship to the Oedipus Complex: The Jocasta complex mirrors the Oedipus complex, but from the mother's perspective. While the Oedipus complex describes a son's sexual feelings for his mother, the Jocasta complex describes a mother's feelings for her son.

  • Definition: It refers to a mother's unconscious sexual attraction to her son, often accompanied by possessiveness and potentially manipulative behaviors.

Term Description
Jocasta Complex A mother's unconscious sexual attraction towards her son, potentially manifesting in possessive or controlling behaviors. Named after the Greek queen Jocasta, who unwittingly married her son.
Oedipus Complex A son's unconscious sexual attraction towards his mother.

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