Chapter 5.The Oedipal Phase
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In this chapter, we focus in greater detail on the mental contents and conflicts of the oedipal phase. The advances in mental capacities outlined in Chapter 4, “The Oedipal Phase and Emerging Capacities,” interface with, support, and augment the greatly increased complexity of mental life that characterizes the oedipal-age child. As noted earlier, the new developmental capacities allow the child to pursue researches and take in new information; to think and imagine, verbalize and pretend; to perceive and experience relationships; and to identify and name a hugely expanded repertoire of feelings. Children’s naïve theories and interpretations in regard to the fundamental questions that now preoccupy them are incorporated into mental life and remain as central organizing fantasies throughout development (Erreich 2003).
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