femininity phase

in the object relations theory of Melanie Klein, a period during the early phases of the Oedipus complex in which both boys and girls are posited to adopt a feminine attitude toward the father and to desire a child by him. Klein saw this turning to the father as an object of desire and away from the mother as the child’s first object.

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Psychology term of the day

November 28th 2024

postural reflex

any of a variety of automatic movements that serve to maintain body posture. See also stance reflex.