Which scenario below is most descriptive of the psychoanalytic theory of personality?

• A. A person's personality is shaped primarily by their genetic inheritance and biological traits.
• B. An individual chooses behaviors based on conscious goals and self-actualization.
• C. A person unconsciously represses childhood memories that influence their adult relationships.
• D. Someone develops their personality through observing and imitating others in their environment.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the core concept of psychoanalytic theory, which was developed by Sigmund Freud. This theory emphasizes the role of the unconscious mind, early childhood experiences, and repressed memories in shaping personality.
2. Step 2: Identify key elements of psychoanalytic theory such as unconscious processes, repression of memories, and the influence of early childhood on adult behavior.
3. Step 3: Review each scenario and compare it to the core elements of psychoanalytic theory. For example, genetic inheritance relates more to biological theories, conscious goals relate to humanistic theories, and learning through observation relates to social learning theory.
4. Step 4: Recognize that the scenario describing unconscious repression of childhood memories influencing adult relationships aligns directly with psychoanalytic theory's focus on unconscious influences and early experiences.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the scenario involving unconscious repression of childhood memories best describes the psychoanalytic theory of personality.