Which theory explains personality and mental disorders by focusing on unconscious determinants of behavior?

Which theory explains personality and mental disorders by focusing on unconscious determinants of behavior?

• A. Psychoanalytic theory
• B. Behavioral theory
• C. Humanistic theory
• D. Social-cognitive theory

Answer: (A)

The main idea being tested is how some theories explain personality and mental disorders by looking at unconscious motives and hidden conflicts that influence behavior. Psychoanalytic theory, developed by Freud, holds that a large part of our mental life operates below the level of conscious awareness. Early experiences shape unconscious conflicts between instinctual drives and the demands of reality and morality. When these conflicts aren’t resolved, people rely on defense mechanisms—repression, denial, projection, rationalization, and others—to keep troubling thoughts out of awareness. These unconscious dynamics can manifest as enduring personality patterns or psychological symptoms, helping to explain why someone might develop certain mental health issues. In contrast, behavioral theory focuses on observable actions and learning from the environment, without emphasizing unconscious processes. Humanistic theory centers on conscious experience, self-actualization, and personal meaning. Social-cognitive theory combines learning with beliefs and expectations about how we think and interpret situations. Because psychoanalytic theory specifically foregrounds unconscious determinants as the driving force behind personality and pathology, it best fits the question.

The main idea being tested is how some theories explain personality and mental disorders by looking at unconscious motives and hidden conflicts that influence behavior.

Psychoanalytic theory, developed by Freud, holds that a large part of our mental life operates below the level of conscious awareness. Early experiences shape unconscious conflicts between instinctual drives and the demands of reality and morality. When these conflicts aren’t resolved, people rely on defense mechanisms—repression, denial, projection, rationalization, and others—to keep troubling thoughts out of awareness. These unconscious dynamics can manifest as enduring personality patterns or psychological symptoms, helping to explain why someone might develop certain mental health issues.

In contrast, behavioral theory focuses on observable actions and learning from the environment, without emphasizing unconscious processes. Humanistic theory centers on conscious experience, self-actualization, and personal meaning. Social-cognitive theory combines learning with beliefs and expectations about how we think and interpret situations. Because psychoanalytic theory specifically foregrounds unconscious determinants as the driving force behind personality and pathology, it best fits the question.