The Oedipus Complex

A Contemporary Introduction

Poul Rohleder

• Publisher: Routledge
• Year: 2025
• eBook ISBN: 9781040416938
• Topic: Psychology
• Subtopic: Mental Health in Psychology
• Index: Psychology

In this book, Poul Rohleder presents a comprehensive and accessible introduction to the theory of the Oedipus complex and its standing in contemporary psychoanalysis.

The Oedipus Complex: A Contemporary Introduction charts the developments of the theory, exploring Freud's original work on the subject before moving on to later developments by Klein and the Independents in the UK. Rohleder interweaves perspectives from French psychoanalysis and contemporary relational thought, and explores the various critiques of the theory, including feminist, queer, and cross-cultural perspectives. Through this holistic and contemporary exploration, Rohleder offers the contemporary practitioner a broad and nuanced consideration of how Oedipal dynamics can play a vital role in their work with patients.

This book will be of interest to psychoanalysts and psychotherapists in practice and training who have an interest in expanding their understanding of the Oedipus complex and its relevance to a contemporary way of working.

Table of contents

• Cover
• Endorsements
• Half Title
• Series Page
• Title Page
• Copyright Page
• Table of Contents
• Series Editor’s Preface
• 1. Introduction
• 2. Freud’s Theory of the Oedipus Complex
• 3. Klein and the Oedipal Situation
• 4. Feminist Critiques of the Oedipus Complex
• 5. Perspectives from French Psychoanalysis
• 6. Relational Perspectives on the Oedipus Complex
• 7. Challenging Heteronormativity
• 8. Culture and the Oedipus Complex
• 9. Oedipus Now
• References
• Index