This viewpoint in psychology emphasizes unconscious psychological processes (for example, wishes and fears of which we are not fully aware), and contends that childhood experiences are crucial in shaping adult personality. Behavior is thus seen as motivated by inner forces and conflicts about which individuals have little awareness or control. For instance, a person experiencing unexplained anxiety in adulthood might be understood, through this lens, as grappling with unresolved childhood traumas buried in their unconscious mind.
The significance of this framework lies in its focus on the underlying causes of behavior, rather than simply addressing surface-level symptoms. It provides a deep understanding of individual complexities and highlights the formative role of early life experiences. Historically, this approach has been pivotal in the development of therapeutic techniques aimed at uncovering and resolving unconscious conflicts to foster psychological well-being. Its influence extends beyond clinical psychology, impacting areas such as developmental psychology and personality theory.
