An Interpersonal Perspective on Loewald’s Theory of Oedipal Development: Young Adulthood & The Mutual Act of Parricide

The author examines Loewald’s developmental perspective on Oedipal development in the context of young adulthood, namely the act of parricide and all that it entails. Extending Loewald’s idea that parricide is a mutual act, the author further interpersonalizes this concept in looking at the various manifestations parricide may take as the young adult tries to commit the murder of parental authority. Particular attention is given to the obstacles that often stand in the way of parricide and how parent and the young adult navigate these obstacles both separately and together. The author places emphasis on development as an ongoing, lifelong, process and the importance of reparation between parent and young adult as they both seek to find ways to move generativity into the foreground such that it can facilitate the act of parricide.