What outcome may occur if children do not resolve the Oedipal conflict successfully?

If children do not successfully resolve the Oedipal conflict, they may develop confusion about their sexual identity. According to Freudian theory, the Oedipal conflict, which typically occurs during the phallic stage of psychosexual development, involves a child's feelings of desire for the opposite-sex parent and jealousy toward the same-sex parent. Successful resolution leads to the development of a healthy sexual identity, as the child internalizes values and behaviors from the same-sex parent.

Failure to work through this conflict can result in difficulties related to understanding and accepting one's sexuality, which can contribute to a range of issues later in life, including uncertainty in relationships and personal identity. The outcomes of unresolved conflicts often extend beyond mere confusion and can impact emotional development and interpersonal relationships as well.