Which of the following is true of the shadow archetype according to the psychodynamic perspective on personality?

• A. It reflects the nurturing and protective qualities of the psyche.
• B. It represents the unconscious and repressed aspects of the personality.
• C. It symbolizes the ideal self and personal aspirations.
• D. It is associated with conscious thoughts and rational decision-making.

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that the shadow archetype is a concept from Carl Jung's analytical psychology, which is part of the broader psychodynamic perspective on personality.
2. Recognize that archetypes are universal, symbolic images or themes that reside in the collective unconscious and influence behavior and personality.
3. Identify that the shadow archetype specifically represents the parts of the personality that are unconscious, hidden, or repressed, often containing traits that the conscious ego does not acknowledge or accept.
4. Contrast the shadow with other archetypes such as the nurturing/protective qualities (often linked to the 'mother' archetype), the ideal self (related to the 'persona' or 'self' archetype), and conscious rational thought (linked to the ego).
5. Conclude that the shadow archetype is best described as representing the unconscious and repressed aspects of the personality, which aligns with the psychodynamic view of hidden or denied parts of the self.