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Awe reactions in childhood are most frequently associated with the phallic stage. Such reactions as are described are screen memories. Penis awe occurs in both sexes, but is less intense and traumatic in girls, perhaps because in the boy there is less discrepancy between the body self-image and the image of the man. The greatest impression is made when the phallus is seen in a state of excitement.
The awe reaction entails fear and intense admiration with some degree of exalted envy. When the focusing is chiefly on the organ and does not involve admiration of the man, the reaction is complicating to the oedipal relation, and persistent attempts to possess such an organ may lead to repetitive receptive homosexual experiences and/or the development of stubborn competitive fantasies with pretentious but passive attitudes in reality performance. Where the fixation is on the ejaculatory process, a self-delusion beginning in latency that urination is a seminal ejaculation may develop. Urethal erotism is marked and disturbances of potency follow.
The two contrasting images of the phallus often persist into adulthood. The inner psychic situation may produce a small penis complex. The reaction to the phallus may be duplicated in the total self image and lead to character disturbances. The awe reaction is variously associated with inspiration, creativity, and religious feelings.