Which of the following best describes the main idea of the psychodynamic perspective on personality?

• A. Personality is shaped by unconscious motives and conflicts, often rooted in childhood experiences.
• B. Personality develops primarily through observable behaviors learned from the environment.
• C. Personality is a result of conscious choices and self-actualization.
• D. Personality is determined by genetic inheritance and biological factors.

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that the psychodynamic perspective on personality focuses on the influence of unconscious processes, internal conflicts, and early childhood experiences on personality development.
2. Recognize that this perspective was originally developed by Sigmund Freud and emphasizes how unconscious motives and unresolved conflicts shape behavior and personality.
3. Compare the given options by identifying which one highlights unconscious motives and childhood experiences, as this aligns with the psychodynamic view.
4. Eliminate options that focus on observable behaviors (behaviorism), conscious choices and self-actualization (humanistic perspective), or genetic and biological factors (biological perspective), as these do not represent the psychodynamic approach.
5. Conclude that the best description is the one stating that personality is shaped by unconscious motives and conflicts, often rooted in childhood experiences.