According to the psychodynamic perspective on personality, Gordon Allport believed that healthy, well-adjusted individuals:

• A. Are motivated primarily by conscious, rational goals rather than unconscious drives
• B. Are unable to change their personality traits over time
• C. Rely mainly on defense mechanisms to cope with anxiety
• D. Are dominated by unresolved childhood conflicts

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the psychodynamic perspective on personality, which emphasizes unconscious drives and early childhood experiences as key influences on behavior and personality.
2. Recognize that Gordon Allport, while influenced by psychodynamic ideas, focused more on conscious motivations and the uniqueness of the individual, differing from traditional Freudian views.
3. Identify that Allport believed healthy, well-adjusted individuals are motivated primarily by conscious, rational goals rather than unconscious drives, highlighting personal growth and self-awareness.
4. Contrast this with other psychodynamic ideas such as reliance on defense mechanisms or being dominated by unresolved childhood conflicts, which Allport did not emphasize for healthy individuals.
5. Conclude that the correct understanding of Allport's view is that well-adjusted people are driven by conscious, rational goals, reflecting a more mature and adaptive personality.