Which term refers to the girl's desire for her father and rivalry with her mother?

The term that describes a girl's desire for her father and rivalry with her mother is known as the Electra Complex. This concept was introduced by Sigmund Freud as part of his theory of psychosexual development. In this framework, the Electra Complex occurs during the phallic stage of development, typically around ages three to six, when a girl begins to experience a sense of competition with her mother for her father's affection. This complex is named after the mythological character Electra, who plotted to avenge her father's death.

Understanding the Electra Complex is crucial as it highlights the dynamics of family relationships and how they can influence a child's developing identity and psychological framework. This complex is considered the female counterpart to the Oedipus Complex, which describes a boy's attachment to his mother and rivalry with his father.

A grasp of the Electra Complex can also offer insights into later psychological development, including issues surrounding femininity, relationships, and authority.

The other terms mentioned do not relate to this specific dynamic: repression refers to the unconscious blocking of distressing thoughts; the phi phenomenon pertains to visual perception; and defense mechanisms are strategies employed by the ego to manage anxiety and maintain mental stability.