What is the main difference between Sigmund Freud and the neo-Freudians regarding their views on personality development?

• A. Neo-Freudians placed more emphasis on social and cultural factors in personality development, while Freud focused primarily on unconscious sexual and aggressive drives.
• B. Freud emphasized the importance of adulthood in personality formation, while neo-Freudians focused only on childhood experiences.
• C. Freud believed personality was entirely shaped by genetics, whereas neo-Freudians argued it was determined by environmental factors.
• D. Neo-Freudians rejected the concept of the unconscious mind, while Freud considered it central to personality.

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand Freud's view on personality development, which centers on unconscious sexual and aggressive drives as the primary forces shaping personality.
2. Step 2: Recognize that Freud emphasized early childhood experiences and the role of the unconscious mind in forming personality.
3. Step 3: Learn that neo-Freudians accepted many of Freud's ideas but shifted the focus toward social and cultural influences rather than just biological drives.
4. Step 4: Compare the two perspectives by noting that neo-Freudians placed greater importance on interpersonal relationships and societal factors in personality development.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the main difference lies in the emphasis: Freud focused on unconscious drives, while neo-Freudians highlighted social and cultural factors.