Psychoanalysis.  2022 Jan;33(1):19-30. 10.18529/psychoanal.2022.33.1.19.

Narcissism and Oedipus Complex in Adolescence: Based on Choi In-Hun’s Novel ‘The Square’

• Jang JY
• Ha JH

• KMID: 2525294
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.18529/psychoanal.2022.33.1.19

Abstract

Adolescence is a period of finding one’s position through separation and individualization from parents during physical and psychological changes, and it is a period of establishing one’s identity, searching for a job, experiencing peer friendship, and deep intimacy with the opposite sex. At this time, there may be a narcissistic reaction to maintain and develop self-esteem, which has been lowered by experiencing the process of separation-individuation from parents. In adolescence, an egocentric tendency to harbor omnipotence, uniqueness, and indestructibility can be prominent. To form a healthy and normal identity and enter adulthood, addressing narcissism and the revisited Oedipus complex is an important psychological task in adolescence. Formation of the superego and ego ideal through competition and conflict with same-sex parents can facilitate the balanced development of narcissism. Additionally, the formation of intimacy with the opposite sex facilitated in reprocessing the Oedipal drive toward the opposite-sex parent and to overcome difficulties in one’s development.

Keyword

Oedipus complex; Young adult; Adolescent development; Narcissism