In psychodynamic therapy, the root cause of the psychological problems is viewed as a result of:
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → Intrapsychic conflicts
Option (1) Faulty learning patterns — Incorrect. According to behaviour therapies, psychological problems arise from faulty learning of behaviours and cognitions.
Option (2) Intrapsychic conflicts — Correct. Psychodynamic therapy holds that intrapsychic conflicts, the conflicts present within the psyche of the person, are the source of psychological problems; they grow out of unfulfilled childhood desires and unresolved childhood fears.
Option (3) Irrational thoughts — Incorrect. Cognitive therapies locate the cause of psychological distress in irrational thoughts and beliefs, as in Ellis’s rational emotive therapy.
Option (4) Existential confusions — Incorrect. The existential therapies see questions about the meaning of one’s life and existence as the cause of psychological problems.
Note: A similar question was also asked in CUET (UG) 2023 on 27-05-2023 (Slot 1) and 18-06-2023 (Slot 2).
NCERT (2025-26): “Type of Therapies … Psychodynamic therapy is of the view that intrapsychic conflicts, i.e. the conflicts that are present within the psyche of the person, are the source of psychological problems. According to behaviour therapies, psychological problems arise due to faulty learning of behaviours and cognitions. The existential therapies postulate that the questions about the meaning of one’s life and existence are the cause of psychological problems.…” |