According to the psychodynamic perspective on personality, what is the primary goal of psychoanalytic therapy?

• A. To modify maladaptive behaviors through reinforcement
• B. To improve cognitive distortions and negative thought patterns
• C. To teach clients new coping skills for daily stress
• D. To bring unconscious conflicts to the surface

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that the psychodynamic perspective on personality focuses on unconscious processes and early life experiences as key influences on behavior and personality.
2. Recognize that psychoanalytic therapy, rooted in this perspective, aims to explore and reveal unconscious conflicts that affect a person's thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
3. Identify that the primary goal of psychoanalytic therapy is to bring these unconscious conflicts to the surface, making the client aware of them.
4. Know that by bringing unconscious material into conscious awareness, the client can work through these conflicts, leading to insight and emotional relief.
5. Differentiate this goal from other therapeutic approaches that focus on behavior modification, cognitive restructuring, or teaching coping skills, which are not the main focus of psychoanalytic therapy.