The Oedipus complex describes a son's emotional attachment to whom?

The Oedipus complex is a concept derived from psychoanalytic theory, particularly associated with the work of Sigmund Freud. It describes a child's feelings of desire for their opposite-sex parent and jealousy and rivalry toward their same-sex parent. In this case, the son's emotional attachment is directed toward his mother. This complex is named after the Greek mythological figure Oedipus, who unwittingly killed his father and married his mother.

The concept illustrates the deep emotional and psychological dynamics that can emerge within family relationships during early developmental stages. Freud believed that this complex plays a crucial role in the formation of the child's identity and relationships later in life. The attachment to the mother is characterized by affection, yearning, and a longing for exclusive attention, which is why the correct answer highlights the mother as the focal point of this complex.