Theory of Personality (D564) Practice Exam

Which theory emphasizes unconscious conflicts in shaping personality?

1. Trait theory

2. Humanistic theory

3. Psychodynamic theory

4. Social cognitive theory

The correct answer is: Psychodynamic theory

Psychodynamic theory is rooted in the work of Sigmund Freud and emphasizes the significance of unconscious processes and conflicts in shaping personality. This theory posits that much of human behavior is influenced by unconscious motives, desires, and fears, often stemming from early childhood experiences. According to psychodynamic theory, individuals may not be fully aware of the underlying causes of their actions or feelings, which can lead to internal conflicts. Therapeutic approaches derived from this theory often focus on uncovering these unconscious elements through techniques such as free association and dream interpretation. While trait theory focuses on the identification and measurement of specific characteristics and humanistic theory emphasizes personal growth and self-actualization, and social cognitive theory centers around the role of cognition and observation in behavior, none of these approaches delve into the unconscious conflicts that psychodynamic theory highlights as crucial in shaping personality. This sets psychodynamic theory apart, making it the correct answer in the context of understanding how unconscious processes influence an individual's personality development.