Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Sexual attraction refers to the development of romantic or sexual feelings towards another person. In Freudian theory, it specifically refers to a child's unconscious desire for their opposite-sex parent.
Related terms
Oedipus complex: In Freudian theory, the Oedipus complex is a term used to describe the intense emotional attachment and sexual desire that young boys may experience towards their mothers.
Electra complex: The Electra complex is similar to the Oedipus complex but occurs in girls. It describes the emotional attachment and desire young girls may have for their fathers.
Psychosexual stages: According to Freud, psychosexual stages are distinct periods of development during which children focus on erogenous zones (such as the mouth or genitals) as sources of pleasure. The resolution of conflicts during these stages shapes personality development.