Psychology and automobiles share an intricate connection that is often explored through psychoanalytic theory. In terms of psychosexual development, cars are considered to represent genitalia, while driving symbolizes sexual intercourse. This theory has been used to explain why some individuals experience sexual excitement when operating vehicles, commonly referred to as "automotive eroticism." Psychologist Sigmund Freud, who was known for his work in psychoanalysis, proposed that early childhood experiences played a significant role in shaping adult behavior and psychological functioning. According to him, children go through various stages of development where they learn about their bodies and the world around them. The oral stage occurs from birth to one year old, during which infants explore their mouths through sucking and biting objects. Following this is the anal stage between ages one to three years old, characterized by the exploration of bowel movements and feces. The phallic stage takes place between three and six years old, where children become aware of their genitals and develop an interest in sexually gratifying themselves. Freud believed that each individual's psyche could be divided into the id, ego, and superego, with the first representing unconscious desires and impulses, the second acting as a mediator between the id and reality, and the third regulating morality and social norms. The phallic stage marks the transition from childhood to adulthood, where gender identity begins to form based on the level of satisfaction achieved during this period.

In the context of automobiles, Freud suggested that the car represents the penis and driving is analogous to sexual intercourse. This leads to the formation of fetishes or strong attachments to particular objects associated with the automobile, such as steering wheels or gear shifts. Fetishism involves attributing excessive significance to specific body parts or items, making it difficult for individuals to engage in intimacy without them. Automotive eroticism is rooted in these experiences and can manifest as arousal when operating vehicles, leading some people to seek out auto-erotic activities or incorporate cars into their sexual fantasies.

Researchers have found that men are more likely than women to experience such phenomena.

Psychoanalytic theory has been used to explain why many people derive pleasure from micro-control over their vehicle while driving, which may involve adjusting speed, gears, and brakes. In contrast, giving up control during sexual intercourse or allowing oneself to enjoy being passively driven (i.e., receiving oral sex) can be anxiety-inducing, leading to feelings of helplessness and powerlessness.

Relinquishing control during intercourse has been shown to enhance sexual pleasure, indicating that there may be a deeper psychological motivation behind this phenomenon. Perhaps, micro-control feels erotic because it allows drivers to maintain some agency, despite being physically disconnected from the automobile's movements.