Association of Social Work Boards Masters (ASWB MSW) Practice Exam

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According to psychoanalytic theory, what drives behavior and personality?

Conflicts between conscious thoughts
Unconscious sexual and aggressive impulses
External societal demands only
Immediate gratification of needs

The correct answer is: Unconscious sexual and aggressive impulses

The psychoanalytic theory believes that unconscious drives, primarily sexual and aggressive impulses, drive behavior and personality. While conflicts between conscious thoughts may play a role, psychoanalytic theory places a greater emphasis on unconscious desires and needs. It also acknowledges that external societal demands and the desire for immediate gratification can also impact behavior and personality, but these are not the primary drivers according to the theory.