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phallic stage

in the classical psychoanalytic theory of Sigmund Freud, the third stage of psychosexual development beginning around age 3, when the libido is focused on the genital area (penis or clitoris) and discovery and manipulation of the body become a major source of pleasure. During this period, boys are posited to experience castration anxiety, girls to experience penis envy, and both to experience the Oedipus complex. Also called phallic phase.

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Psychology term of the day

February 23rd 2025

facial disfigurement

facial disfigurement

any distortion, malformation, or abnormality of facial features due to injury, disease, or congenital anomaly. Because of a common tendency to assign traits to individuals on the basis of their facial features, people with facial disfigurements are particularly vulnerable to social, psychological, and economic discrimination and unfavorable stress effects.