The Oedipus Complex: A Contemporary Introduction

by Poul Rohleder

Overview

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.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781040416938
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	09/10/2025
Series:	Routledge Introductions to Contemporary Psychoanalysis
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	138
File size:	436 KB

About the Author

Poul Rohleder is a Clinical Psychologist and Psychoanalytic Psychotherapist in private practice in central London, UK. He is a Senior Member of the British Psychotherapy Foundation and an Honorary Senior Lecturer at the Department of Psychosocial and Psychoanalytic Studies, University of Essex, UK.

Table of Contents

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

Editorial Reviews

‘Poul Rohleder has gifted the mental health profession with a superb volume, exploring the much-overlooked and often misunderstood concept of the Oedipus Complex. Written with much clarity and concision and with tremendous historical accuracy, the author has investigated numerous psychoanalytical perspectives and, also, has explored the impact of contemporary views regarding gender and sexual orientation. I recommend this book warmly to every single psychological worker.’

Professor Brett Kahr, Senior Fellow, Tavistock Institute of Medical Psychology, London; Visiting Professor of Psychoanalysis and Mental Health, Regent’s University London; and Honorary Director of Research, Freud Museum London.

‘This is a refreshingly straightforward appraisal of one of Freud’s most controversial claims. Those who have eyes to see cannot deny the existence of the facts that Freud described, but how are we to conceptualize them? Poul Rohleder helps you find your own answer to this surprisingly important question.’

Prof Mark Solms, member of the British Psychoanalytical Society, and editor of The Revised Standard Edition of the Complete Psychological Works of Sigmund Freud.

‘Poul Rohleder’s introduction to one of the most debated and controversial psychoanalytic concepts provides a comprehensive yet succinct overview of the Oedipus Complex. Taking the reader from Freud’s original formulation right through to contemporary reformulations of the Oedipus Complex, this text is a core resource for psychoanalytic training programmes.’ 

Prof. Alessandra Lemma, Visiting Professor, Psychoanalysis Unit, UCL and Consultant, Anna Freud Centre.

From the Publisher