Which of the following best describes a key difference between the declarative self and the procedural self according to the psychodynamic perspective on personality?

• A. The declarative self is based on unconscious motives, while the procedural self is entirely conscious.
• B. The declarative self is only relevant in childhood, while the procedural self develops in adulthood.
• C. The declarative self involves conscious knowledge about oneself, while the procedural self consists of unconscious skills and habits.
• D. The declarative self refers to automatic behaviors, while the procedural self refers to explicit memories.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the concept of the declarative self. In psychology, particularly from a psychodynamic perspective, the declarative self refers to the conscious knowledge and beliefs a person has about themselves. This includes facts and information that one can explicitly state, such as personal traits, memories, and self-concept.
2. Step 2: Understand the concept of the procedural self. The procedural self involves unconscious processes, including skills, habits, and automatic behaviors that are not easily articulated. These are learned patterns of behavior that operate without conscious awareness.
3. Step 3: Compare the two selves based on consciousness. The declarative self is conscious and accessible to awareness, while the procedural self operates largely outside of conscious awareness.
4. Step 4: Evaluate the answer choices by matching them to these definitions. The correct description should highlight that the declarative self involves conscious knowledge about oneself, whereas the procedural self consists of unconscious skills and habits.
5. Step 5: Eliminate incorrect options by checking if they misrepresent the nature of consciousness or developmental timing related to these selves, ensuring the chosen answer accurately reflects the psychodynamic perspective.