Psychoanalytic theory, founded by Sigmund Freud, emphasizes the profound impact of childhood experiences on adult personality development. This theory posits that our early life significantly shapes our psychological makeup, making it a core assumption of psychoanalysis.

In contrast to trait theory, which categorizes personality into stable traits such as openness, neuroticism, agreeableness, and extroversion, psychoanalytic theory does not focus on these fixed characteristics. Instead, it delves into the complexities of the unconscious mind, suggesting that unconscious thoughts and desires play a crucial role in shaping personality. Freud believed that an imbalance between these unconscious desires and societal norms could lead to various psychological pathologies, highlighting the importance of this dynamic in mental health.

While the concept of self-actualization is central to humanistic theories, it does not align with the principles of psychoanalytic theory. Instead, psychoanalysis centers on understanding the unconscious influences and childhood experiences that contribute to an individual's psychological state.