Final answer:
The correct answer is option c. Freud concluded that psychological disturbances are largely caused by unconscious conflicts and unresolved childhood experiences.
Step-by-step explanation:
Sigmund Freud, the founding figure of psychoanalysis, posited that psychological disturbances are primarily rooted in unconscious conflicts and unresolved childhood experiences.
According to Freud's psychoanalytic theory, the human mind is composed of three main components: the conscious mind, the preconscious mind, and the unconscious mind. Freud believed that much of our mental activity and motivations reside in the unconscious, influencing our thoughts and behaviors without our conscious awareness.
The concept of the "id," "ego," and "superego" represents Freud's structural model of the psyche. He argued that unresolved conflicts between these elements, often stemming from early childhood experiences, could lead to psychological distress and disturbances.
Freud introduced the idea of defense mechanisms, which are unconscious strategies the mind employs to cope with anxiety arising from conflicting impulses.
While Freud's theories have faced criticism and have been modified over time, his emphasis on the role of the unconscious mind and childhood experiences in shaping mental well-being has left a lasting impact on the field of psychology.
Today, contemporary psychoanalytic perspectives often integrate Freudian concepts with newer developments, providing a nuanced understanding of the complex interplay of factors contributing to psychological disturbances.