The fraternal complex. Aspects of its specificity

The fraternal complex, or to give it its maximum extension, the adelphic complex, is not first of all simply a displacement or avoidance of the Oedipus complex. It has a specific structure, dynamic and economy. Its triangular structure and its pre-oedipal components allow it to operate on the nuclear complex in numerous facets. It is possibly its prefiguration. Three logical levels of analysis have been distinguished: the level of the representation of the fraternal complex in myth and phantasm; the level of association and links between brothers-and-sisters which implies the taking into consideration of the psychic effects produced within the ensemble; and finally the level of the relation of the object brother and/or sister in the structure of this complex, for such a subject within its singular history. From the clinical reference of two analyses – of a man and a woman – and a locating of the fraternal complex in the myths of Oedipus and Narcissus, in bible stories and popular tales, the study outlines certain relation between the narcissistic double and psychic bisexuality in the adelphic complex. Several research orientations are then proposed to specify the complex.

Keywords: fraternal complex, adelphic complex, narcissistic double, psychic bisexuality, myth and phantasm.

René Kaës, Il complesso fraterno. Aspetti della sua specificità (2006) in "INTERAZIONI" 1/2026, pp 52-92, DOI: 10.3280/INT2026-001004