Final answer:
Mary's tardiness and absenteeism are examples of 'resistance' in psychoanalysis, which represents the avoidance of confronting uncomfortable unconscious material.
Step-by-step explanation:
Mary's tardiness and absenteeism can be seen as an example of the concept of resistance fundamental to the practice of psychoanalysis. In psychoanalytic theory, resistance refers to the unconscious defense mechanisms that patients exhibit to avoid confronting uncomfortable thoughts, feelings, or memories during therapy sessions. This behavior can manifest in various ways, including being late or missing appointments. Resistance is a crucial concept within psychoanalysis because it often indicates that therapy is approaching areas that are emotionally significant to the patient.