Which of the following is true about Freud's ideas regarding personality according to the psychodynamic perspective?

• A. Freud claimed that personality remains unchanged throughout adulthood.
• B. Freud proposed that personality is determined solely by genetic inheritance.
• C. Freud believed that unconscious motives and conflicts are central to the development of personality.
• D. Freud argued that personality is entirely shaped by conscious thoughts and rational decision-making.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the psychodynamic perspective, which was developed by Sigmund Freud. This theory emphasizes the role of unconscious processes and early childhood experiences in shaping personality.
2. Step 2: Review Freud's key concepts, such as the unconscious mind, which contains desires, memories, and conflicts that influence behavior without conscious awareness.
3. Step 3: Recognize that Freud did not claim personality remains unchanged throughout adulthood; instead, he believed personality develops through dynamic interactions of different mental structures (id, ego, superego) over time.
4. Step 4: Note that Freud did not propose personality is determined solely by genetic inheritance; rather, he emphasized unconscious motives and internal conflicts as central to personality development.
5. Step 5: Understand that Freud argued personality is not entirely shaped by conscious thoughts and rational decision-making, but largely influenced by unconscious motives and conflicts.