Psychoanalysis is best classified under which major psychological perspective?

• A. The humanistic perspective
• B. The psychodynamic perspective
• C. The behavioral perspective
• D. The cognitive perspective

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the major psychological perspectives and their focus areas. The humanistic perspective emphasizes personal growth and self-actualization, the behavioral perspective focuses on observable behaviors and learning, the cognitive perspective studies mental processes like thinking and memory, and the psychodynamic perspective centers on unconscious motives and early childhood experiences.
2. Step 2: Identify the core principles of psychoanalysis, which was developed by Sigmund Freud. Psychoanalysis explores unconscious conflicts, defense mechanisms, and the influence of early life experiences on behavior.
3. Step 3: Compare the focus of psychoanalysis with each psychological perspective. Since psychoanalysis deals with unconscious processes and internal conflicts, it aligns most closely with the psychodynamic perspective.
4. Step 4: Recognize that the psychodynamic perspective is essentially an evolution of Freud's psychoanalytic theory, expanding on the role of unconscious drives and childhood experiences in shaping personality and behavior.
5. Step 5: Conclude that psychoanalysis is best classified under the psychodynamic perspective because both emphasize unconscious processes and the influence of early experiences on behavior.