According to the psychodynamic perspective, which of the following statements about personality is true?

• A. Personality is shaped primarily by unconscious motives and early childhood experiences.
• B. Personality remains unchanged throughout a person's life and is not influenced by internal conflicts.
• C. Personality is best understood through observable behaviors rather than internal processes.
• D. Personality is determined solely by genetic inheritance and biological factors.

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that the psychodynamic perspective in psychology emphasizes the role of unconscious motives and early childhood experiences in shaping personality.
2. Recognize that this perspective was largely developed by Sigmund Freud, who proposed that much of our behavior is influenced by unconscious drives and conflicts originating in childhood.
3. Note that the psychodynamic approach contrasts with other perspectives, such as behaviorism, which focuses on observable behaviors, and biological perspectives, which emphasize genetics and biology.
4. Evaluate each statement by comparing it to the core ideas of the psychodynamic theory: it highlights unconscious motives and early experiences rather than fixed personality, observable behavior alone, or solely genetic factors.
5. Conclude that the statement aligning with the psychodynamic perspective is the one stating that personality is shaped primarily by unconscious motives and early childhood experiences.