Phallic Stage: Ages 3-6. Child now notices and is physically attracted to opposite sex
parent. Can lead to:
• Oedipus Conflict: For boys only. Boy feels rivalry with his father for his mother’s
affection. Boy may feel threatened by father (castration anxiety). To resolve, boy
must identify with his father (i.e., become more like him and adopt his heterosexual
beliefs).
• Electra Conflict: Girl loves her father and competes with her mother. Girl identifies
with her mother more slowly because she already feels castrated.
Erogenous zone: phallus