What do Psychoanalytic Theories primarily focus on?

Psychoanalytic theories primarily focus on examining mental processes and treating mental disorders. This approach is rooted in the work of Sigmund Freud, who emphasized the influence of unconscious motives, childhood experiences, and inner conflicts on behavior and mental health. Psychoanalytic theory seeks to explore the deep-seated psychological factors that shape an individual’s thoughts, feelings, and actions, particularly those that arise from unresolved conflicts or traumas.

Therapeutic techniques derived from psychoanalytic theory, such as free association and dream analysis, aim to uncover these unconscious elements, enabling individuals to gain insight into their mental health challenges. This understanding is essential for effective treatment, as it allows individuals to address the underlying causes of their emotional difficulties rather than merely focusing on symptoms.

In contrast, the other options focus on different aspects of psychology and mental health, such as behavioral techniques that modify actions, genetic influences on personality, and intelligence measurements through standardized testing. While these approaches are valuable, they do not capture the central elements of psychoanalytic theory, which is deeply concerned with the complexities of the human mind and the treatment of psychological disorders.