According to the psychodynamic perspective on personality, which of the following best explains how our personality tends to shape our exercise habits?

• A. Personality has no impact on exercise habits; only environmental factors matter.
• B. Exercise habits are solely determined by genetic predispositions.
• C. Unconscious motives and internal conflicts influence our behaviors, including exercise routines.
• D. Exercise habits are shaped exclusively by conscious decision-making processes.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that the psychodynamic perspective, founded by Freud, emphasizes the role of unconscious motives and internal conflicts in shaping behavior and personality.
2. Recognize that according to this perspective, behaviors such as exercise habits are influenced not just by conscious choices or external factors, but by deeper unconscious drives and unresolved conflicts within the personality.
3. Evaluate each option by considering whether it aligns with the psychodynamic view: options focusing solely on environment, genetics, or conscious decisions do not capture the unconscious influence central to this theory.
4. Identify that the option stating 'Unconscious motives and internal conflicts influence our behaviors, including exercise routines' best reflects the psychodynamic perspective because it highlights the unconscious processes shaping personality and behavior.
5. Conclude that the psychodynamic perspective explains exercise habits as expressions of underlying unconscious motives and conflicts, rather than purely conscious or external factors.