AP Psychology Practice Test 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

The psychodynamic perspective is primarily characterized by its emphasis on the influence of unconscious processes and early childhood experiences on behavior. It posits that behavior is not solely a product of conscious thought but is significantly affected by unconscious motives and internal conflicts. Sigmund Freud, the founder of this perspective, suggested that unresolved conflicts from childhood can manifest in various ways in adult behavior. By focusing on these unconscious drives, psychodynamic theorists seek to understand the underlying reasons for behavior, including emotional struggles and defense mechanisms.

Other options focus on different aspects of psychological study: the impact of culture, personal development over time, and interpersonal relationships, which are more aligned with other psychological perspectives such as cultural psychology or developmental psychology. These perspectives do not centralize the role of the unconscious in the same way that psychodynamic theory does.