We have differentiated between the phallic-narcissistic and oedipal phases of development. While both are under the same dominant drive organization, they differ radically with regard to relationships to self and objects and drive and ego manifestations.

Within the phallic-narcissistic phase we have specifically examined the building up of the body self representations, the processes of identification and the acquisition of a sexual identity, the contributions made by the scoptophilic and exhibitionistic component wishes, and the differences between phallic and oedipal manifestations in these processes in boys and girls. Pseudooedipal relationships, i.e., phallic-narcissistic relationships, have been differentiated from oedipal relationships proper, with regard to the child's mode of relating to self and objects.