Certificate In Psychology (CPSY) Practice Exam

Which perspective emphasizes that unresolved childhood trauma affects adult psychology?

1. Psychodynamic.

2. Constructivist.

3. Social learning.

4. Sociocultural.

The correct answer is: Psychodynamic.

The psychodynamic perspective is grounded in the idea that early life experiences, particularly those involving trauma or significant emotional events, play a crucial role in shaping an individual's adult behavior and emotional well-being. This perspective, heavily influenced by the work of Sigmund Freud, posits that unresolved conflicts and repressed memories from childhood can manifest as psychological issues in adulthood. In psychodynamic theory, the psyche is viewed as composed of multiple parts, and early experiences can create internal conflicts that individuals may not be consciously aware of. These conflicts can lead to issues such as anxiety, depression, and maladaptive behaviors later in life. The therapeutic process in this perspective often involves bringing unconscious memories and feelings to awareness, allowing individuals to address and reconcile these unresolved issues. In contrast, other perspectives like the constructivist, social learning, and sociocultural approaches do not focus significantly on unresolved childhood trauma as a primary cause of adult psychological issues. Constructivism emphasizes the importance of individual meaning-making and understanding one’s experiences in the context of their current environment. Social learning theory focuses on how behaviors are learned and reinforced through observation and imitation, while the sociocultural perspective examines how cultural and societal factors shape behavior without primarily attributing adult issues to childhood traumas. This