Electra complex and its impact on mental health causes complications and how to deal with it

The Electra Complex and the Oedipus Complex are psychological concepts closely related to the development of relationships between children and their families. These concepts were introduced within the framework of Sigmund Freud's psychoanalytic theory. These complexes are considered significant psychological phenomena that can greatly affect family dynamics and the emotional growth of children. While the Electra Complex refers to a girl's excessive attachment to her father, the Oedipus Complex involves a boy's excessive attachment to his mother.In this article, we will explore the differences between the two complexes, the symptoms and distinguishing signs of each, as well as the possible causes that may lead to the emergence of these psychological phenomena. If you're interested in understanding the nature of these complexes and how they impact family relationships and children's psychological development, keep reading for an in-depth guide.

Causes of the Electra Complex in Girls:

The Electra Complex doesn't develop out of nowhere; there are psychological and behavioral factors that make a girl excessively attached to her father and feel jealous of her mother. Here are the main reasons in a clear and simple way:

Normal Psychological Development Stage
During childhood, a child goes through significant psychological stages. One of these stages involves the girl noticing that she is a female and her father is a male. At this point, she feels protective towards him and a desire to get closer, which is a natural part of her emotional development.

The Girl's Love for Her Father
The father is often the first person in a girl's life who protects and spoils her. She enjoys spending time with him and values his attention, which strengthens her feelings toward him.

Jealousy of the Father-Mother Relationship
The girl might notice that her father loves her mother, leading her to feel jealous and think, "Why does he love her more than me?" At this point, she tries to gain his attention and feels entitled to his love.

Imbalance in Family Relationships
If the father gives the girl excessive attention or love compared to the mother, it can increase her attachment. If the mother is emotionally distant or doesn’t express her love, the girl may feel that her father is the closest person to her.

Lack of Understanding from Parents
If parents do not understand that this is a normal psychological stage in the girl’s development and instead react with anger or mockery, the girl may hesitate to express her feelings. Understanding and calm handling of the situation can significantly improve things.

Natural Imitation of Adult Behavior
The girl sees her mother expressing love for her father, so she may try to imitate this behavior. Sometimes, the girl might unconsciously try to get closer to her father, which causes her to feel jealous of her mother.

Symptoms and Signs of the Electra Complex in Girls:

When the Electra Complex develops, certain symptoms can appear in the girl that might be difficult for parents to understand. If not handled properly, parents might respond with anger, neglect, or even ridicule. Below are some common symptoms:

Excessive Attachment to the Father
During the Electra Complex phase, the girl becomes overly attached to her father. She may prefer staying close to him and avoid her mother. She might share secrets with him and try to present herself as his favorite.

Jealousy of the Father
A girl experiencing the Electra Complex may feel jealous of her mother when she notices the closeness between her parents. She may feel that her mother is an obstacle to her father’s love and could feel sadness or anger when seeing mutual attention between them.

Trying to Attract the Father’s Attention
At this stage, the girl constantly tries to get her father’s attention and draw his attention to her. She might attempt to present herself as a grown-up girl, wanting him to admire her and praise her.

Imitating the Mother
To attract the father’s attention, the girl may start imitating her mother's actions, such as wearing her clothes or applying makeup. This reflects the beginning of her awareness of her feminine role and her desire to imitate her mother to gain her father’s admiration.

Exaggerated Actions to Seek the Father’s Affection
The girl may resort to behaviors such as rebellion, crying, or pretending to be sick to gain her father’s attention. These behaviors intensify when she feels that her mother is receiving more attention.

Aggressive Behavior Toward the Mother
Feelings of jealousy may cause the girl to act aggressively toward her mother, such as yelling, refusing her commands, or destroying her belongings. However, these behaviors are relatively rare.

Watching the Parents’ Behavior
At this stage, the girl may observe her parents’ actions, especially if she feels they are hiding something from her. She may express these feelings by crying or trying to draw attention to stay with them.

How Does the Electra Complex Develop?

The Electra Complex develops in stages as the girl grows. Here are the stages of its formation explained simply:

Stage 1 (Ages 1 to 3 years):
In this stage, the girl does not yet understand gender differences. However, over time, she starts to compare her father’s body to her mother’s. This early awareness makes her feel an unconscious attraction toward her father, and she desires to adopt his traits.

Stage 2 (Ages 3 to 8 years):
In this stage, the girl becomes aware of gender differences and notices the relationship between her mother and father. She begins to desire to imitate her father’s relationship with her, and may become jealous of her mother, trying to attract her father's attention and competing for his love.

Stage 3 (After Age 8):
At this stage, the girl begins to understand her role as a female and consciously imitates her mother. The Electra Complex typically ends when the girl becomes more stable in her feminine identity and accepts her mother’s role in the family dynamic.

Difference Between the Electra Complex and the Oedipus Complex:

When discussing the Electra and Oedipus complexes, each has distinct psychological and behavioral details. Here is a simple and clear table showing the main differences between the two complexes:

Aspect	Electra Complex	Oedipus Complex
Name	Named after the Electra myth in Greek mythology.	Named after the Oedipus myth in Greek mythology.
Gender	Only related to girls.	Only related to boys.
Age Range	Occurs between ages 3 and 6 (early childhood).	Occurs between ages 3 and 6 (early childhood).
Key Characters	Girl (child), father, mother.	Boy (child), mother, father.
Behavior	The girl becomes attached to her father and wishes to gain his attention, feeling competitive with her mother.	The boy becomes attached to his mother, seeking her love and feeling competitive with his father.
Feelings Toward the Mother	Jealousy and hostility toward the mother.	Jealousy and hostility toward the father.
Feelings Toward the Father	A strong desire to attract the father’s attention and gain his love.	A strong desire to attract the mother’s attention and gain her love.
Psychological Development	May lead to emotional struggles during adolescence due to excessive attachment to the father.	May lead to emotional struggles during adolescence due to excessive attachment to the mother.
Possible Consequences	Difficulty forming healthy relationships with men later on, and potential conflicts with the mother.	Difficulty forming healthy relationships with women later on, and potential conflicts with the father.
Psychological Perspective	Reflects the girl’s desire to rebel against the mother and cling to the father as the primary source of affection.	Reflects the boy’s desire to rebel against the father and cling to the mother as the primary source of affection.
Treatment	Requires psychological intervention to help the girl build a healthy relationship with her mother and reduce excessive attachment to her father.	Requires psychological intervention to help the boy build a healthy relationship with his father and reduce excessive attachment to his mother.

Summary:

Electra Complex: A psychological state that occurs in girls, where the girl becomes excessively attached to her father and competes with her mother for his attention and love.
Oedipus Complex: A similar state that occurs in boys, where the boy becomes attached to his mother and feels competitive with his father for her love and attention.

Tip: Understanding the differences between these complexes helps parents recognize the signs of their development in their children, enabling them to handle these situations appropriately.

Complications of the Electra Complex and Its Impact on a Girl at Different Life Stages

The Electra Complex is a psychological condition that can have lasting effects on a girl even after childhood, significantly impacting her later life. This complex is related to excessive attachment to the father and competition with the mother for his attention and affection. But what happens when some of the effects of the Electra Complex persist into adulthood? Here are some complications that may arise as a result of this complex:

Continued Attachment to the Father After Childhood
One of the most prominent complications of the Electra Complex is that the girl may remain attached to her father even as she grows older. She may feel a constant need for his attention and affection, as though she is still a child in need of his care. If this attachment stays within healthy boundaries, it can be emotionally positive, but if it exceeds these limits, it may negatively impact her relationships with others.
Desire to Be With Older Men
It is common for girls who have residual effects of the Electra Complex to be attracted to older men. The girl may unknowingly seek out a "father figure" instead of a romantic partner. This is because she is not looking for someone of her own age, but for someone who possesses the strength and nurturing qualities she found in her father.
Feeling Weak in the Presence of Men
Some girls affected by the Electra Complex may believe they are weak and unable to cope with life without the support of a man. In this case, the girl sees the man as a father figure who provides responsibility and safety, and she finds it difficult to be independent or make decisions on her own.
Emotional Insecurity with a Partner
When the girl grows up and still carries the effects of the Electra Complex, she may feel that her partner does not provide her with the same affection and care she received from her father. She may behave as if she is searching for a father figure rather than a husband, leading to feelings of emotional dissatisfaction and emptiness in her relationship.
Psychological Disorders Such as Neurosis or Psychosis
Some girls who suffer from the Electra Complex may develop deep psychological disorders such as "separation anxiety" or a fear of loneliness, especially when faced with the idea of being away from their father. In extreme cases, this can lead to psychotic disorders.
Jealousy Towards Her Own Daughter
In some cases, the effects of the Electra Complex in a married woman may manifest as unconscious jealousy towards her daughter, particularly during her teenage years. The woman may feel that her daughter is taking her place in her husband's heart, creating a psychological conflict and tension within the family.

How to Treat the Electra Complex: How to Deal with This Stage Mindfully?

The Electra Complex is a normal phase that every girl goes through in her childhood, and it is not considered a psychological disorder requiring treatment. It is a part of sexual psychological development. However, if not addressed carefully, it can turn into a problem affecting the girl's future life. Here are some tips for parents to positively deal with the child during this stage:

Avoid Provoking the Child or Stirring Jealousy
Often, parents may unknowingly provoke the girl’s jealousy by engaging in actions like exchanging glances or touches in front of her. For example, when the mother gets close to the father or they share intimate moments in front of the girl, she may feel sad or angry. It is best to avoid such behaviors that could negatively impact the child’s emotional state.
Avoid the Child Sleeping in the Parents' Bedroom
An important piece of advice for parents is not to let the child sleep in the parents' bedroom. Even if the relationship between the couple is healthy, the child may notice certain behaviors or conversations between the parents that can affect her understanding of relationships. Children often pretend to sleep so they can observe what is happening around them, and such actions could lead to negative feelings towards the mother or father.
Interact with the Child with Love and Affection
Children at this stage need love and care from their parents. Parents should handle the child with extra attention during this period, offering her care and attention to avoid building up feelings of jealousy or hostility. Positive interaction will make the child feel safe and secure.
Improve the Mother-Daughter Relationship
The mother-daughter relationship is critical at this stage. The mother should be fully aware of her daughter’s feelings and engage in open discussions about the nature of her relationship with the father. Building a relationship based on trust, friendship, and love will help the child feel secure and recognize the equal love both parents have for her.
Repeatedly Explain the Nature of the Relationship Between the Girl and Her Father
It is important for both parents to understand the nature of the relationship between the child and the father. The child should be reassured that both parents love her equally, and that her relationship with each of them is a natural bond between a daughter and her parents. Over time, the child will better understand these relationships.