The term “Medea complex” is not widely recognized or used in the field of psychology or psychiatry. It appears to be a term coined by some authors to describe a hypothetical psychological pattern or phenomenon based on the character of Medea in Greek mythology.
In the myth, Medea was a sorceress who fell in love with Jason, the hero of the Argonauts, and helped him complete a series of tasks to obtain the Golden Fleece. However, when Jason later abandoned her to marry another woman, Medea sought revenge by killing their two children and the new bride.
Some authors have used the term “Medea complex” to refer to a psychological condition in which a woman experiences intense and pathological feelings of jealousy, betrayal, and desire for revenge against her partner, similar to the way that Medea did in the myth. However, this concept is not a recognized diagnosis or category of mental disorder in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) or other official diagnostic systems.
Overall, the term “Medea complex” does not have a clear or widely accepted definition in the field of psychology, and its use may be limited to certain authors or contexts.
©Linda Turner http://parentalalienationpas.com 2023