According to the psychodynamic perspective, how might Johnny Cade's thoughts about his inner self be understood?

• A. They are solely the result of learned behaviors and environmental conditioning.
• B. They are best explained by his conscious choices and rational decision-making.
• C. They are determined by genetic inheritance and biological factors alone.
• D. They reflect unconscious conflicts and unresolved childhood experiences that influence his personality.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the core idea of the psychodynamic perspective, which emphasizes the role of unconscious processes and early childhood experiences in shaping personality and behavior.
2. Understand that according to this perspective, thoughts about one's inner self are influenced by unconscious conflicts, often stemming from unresolved issues during childhood.
3. Recognize that learned behaviors and environmental conditioning are more aligned with the behavioral perspective, not the psychodynamic perspective.
4. Note that conscious choices and rational decision-making are emphasized in cognitive or humanistic perspectives, rather than psychodynamic theory.
5. Acknowledge that genetic inheritance and biological factors are central to biological or trait perspectives, but psychodynamic theory focuses on unconscious motivations and early experiences.