What type of theories are based on the idea that our actions are deeply influenced by our unconscious?

Psychoanalytical theories are grounded in the belief that unconscious processes significantly shape our thoughts, behaviors, and emotions. Developed by Sigmund Freud, this approach posits that many of our actions are driven by hidden desires, unresolved conflicts, and repressed memories that exist beyond our conscious awareness. This perspective allows for a deeper understanding of human behavior by emphasizing the role of internal psychological forces that operate beneath the surface of conscious thought.

Freud's concepts, such as the id, ego, and superego, illustrate how these unconscious elements influence decision-making and personality development throughout the lifespan. The therapy methods stemming from psychoanalytical theories, such as free association and dream analysis, aim to bring these unconscious factors into conscious awareness, enabling individuals to address their underlying issues.

In contrast, behavioral theories center on observable behaviors and the external environment’s role in shaping behavior, cognitive theories emphasize mental processes and how we perceive and think about the world, while humanistic theories focus on personal growth, self-actualization, and the conscious experiences of individuals. Understanding psychoanalytical theories provides valuable insights into the complexity of human nature and the motivations that drive our actions, many of which may not be readily accessible to our conscious mind.