Which approach studies abnormal behavior through the lens of repressed feelings and thoughts?

Study for the Kent State General Psychology Test. Prepare with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question comes with hints and explanations. Ace your exam!

The approach that studies abnormal behavior through the lens of repressed feelings and thoughts is psychoanalysis. This psychological theory and therapeutic method, founded by Sigmund Freud, emphasizes the importance of the unconscious mind and how suppressed emotions and memories can influence behavior and mental health. Freud posited that unresolved conflicts and repressed emotions from early life experiences can manifest as psychological symptoms in adulthood.

Psychoanalysis seeks to bring these hidden feelings and thoughts to the forefront of consciousness through various techniques, such as free association, dream analysis, and the examination of transference. By doing so, individuals can gain insight into their emotional struggles and work towards resolving them, leading to improved mental health and understanding of their behavior.

In contrast, behaviorism focuses primarily on observable behaviors and the principles of learning, without delving into internal thoughts or feelings. The cognitive approach examines mental processes such as thinking, memory, and decision-making, rather than repressed emotions. Neurology studies the brain and nervous system's biological foundations and does not directly address psychological repression in the context of abnormal behavior.

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