A SPECIAL OEDIPAL MECHANISM IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF MALE HOMOSEXUALITY

A special oedipal mechanism in the development of homosexuality in hig h functioning neurotic men-the plicate Oedipus complex-is described, i n which the father serves simultaneously as both the object and the pr ohibitor of erotic excitement in the oedipal-age boy. This mechanism, it is argued, replaces the more widely recognized negative and positiv e oedipal mechanisms and functions correspondingly in superego formati on and general psychosexual development. The consequences of the plica te Oedipus complex for the homosexual male are described in terms of l ater sexual behavior, interpersonal relations, superego functioning, a nd transference paradigms. Guidelines for psychoanalytic therapy with homosexual men are suggested.