Social Work Examination Services (SWES) Human Behavior Practice Test

Successful resolution of the oedipal conflict involves which of the following?

1. Repression of the unacceptable wish and identification with opposite-sex parent

2. Repression of the unacceptable wish and identification with same-sex parent

3. Unconscious desire for rivalry with the same-sex parent

4. Acceptance of the role of both parents in development

The correct answer is: Repression of the unacceptable wish and identification with same-sex parent

The successful resolution of the oedipal conflict primarily involves the repression of the unacceptable wishes associated with attraction towards the opposite-sex parent while identifying with the same-sex parent. In the context of psychosexual development, the oedipal conflict typically occurs in the phallic stage, where a child's feelings of desire for the opposite-sex parent and jealousy toward the same-sex parent manifest. To navigate these conflicting feelings successfully, the child needs to repress those desires that are deemed socially unacceptable and instead adopt the characteristics, values, and behaviors of the same-sex parent. This process is crucial as it facilitates gender identity formation and helps the child establish their role within the family and society. By internalizing the traits of the same-sex parent, the child not only resolves the conflict but also moves toward a more stable and functional personality structure. The other options presented do not encapsulate this critical process of identification with the same-sex parent and repression of desires toward the opposite-sex parent that is fundamental to the resolution of the oedipal conflict.