Which psychological perspective emphasizes unconscious thoughts and conflicts?

The psychodynamic approach is centered on the belief that unconscious thoughts, feelings, and conflicts play a crucial role in influencing behavior and personality. This perspective, developed by Sigmund Freud, suggests that many of our actions and motivations are driven by desires and fears that we are not fully aware of.

This approach places significant importance on early childhood experiences and how they shape our unconscious mind. It explores concepts such as defense mechanisms, the significance of dreams, and the impact of unresolved conflicts, often within the context of repressed emotions.

In contrast, other approaches focus on different aspects of psychology. For example, the cognitive approach emphasizes mental processes like thinking and memory, the humanistic approach highlights personal growth and self-actualization, and the behavioral approach focuses on observable behavior and the principles of learning. Understanding the distinctiveness of the psychodynamic approach helps clarify its unique focus on the unconscious mind and its influence over behavior.