Who originated psychoanalytic theory?

• A. Carl Jung
• B. B.F. Skinner
• C. Sigmund Freud
• D. Carl Rogers

Answer: (C)

Psychoanalytic theory originated with Sigmund Freud, who proposed that much of our mental life operates outside conscious awareness and that early experiences shape adult behavior. He introduced tools like free association and dream interpretation to access unconscious material and used these in therapy. Freud also developed the structural model of personality (id, ego, superego) and described defense mechanisms, laying the groundwork for how internal conflicts influence thoughts, feelings, and behavior. Because of these foundational ideas and his clinical approach, Freud is credited as the originator of psychoanalytic theory and its therapeutic method. Other figures contributed to related ideas within the field—Carl Jung helped shape analytical psychology but branched off from Freud’s path; B.F. Skinner is known for behaviorism, focusing on observable actions rather than inner processes; Carl Rogers is associated with humanistic psychology and client-centered therapy, which differs from psychoanalytic theory.