Which of the following is a belief of the psychodynamic perspective on personality?

• A. Personality develops solely through genetic inheritance and biological factors.
• B. Self-actualization is the central driving force behind personality development.
• C. Unconscious motives and conflicts play a significant role in shaping personality.
• D. Personality is primarily determined by observable behaviors and environmental reinforcement.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the core idea of the psychodynamic perspective, which emphasizes the influence of unconscious processes on personality development.
2. Recognize that psychodynamic theory, originally developed by Freud, focuses on internal conflicts, unconscious motives, and early childhood experiences as key factors shaping personality.
3. Compare each option to the psychodynamic perspective: genetic inheritance and biological factors relate more to biological theories; self-actualization is central to humanistic theories; observable behaviors and reinforcement are key to behaviorism.
4. Understand that the correct belief aligns with the idea that unconscious motives and conflicts significantly influence personality, which is a hallmark of the psychodynamic approach.
5. Conclude that the statement 'Unconscious motives and conflicts play a significant role in shaping personality' best represents the psychodynamic perspective.