Final answer:
The central assumption of the psychoanalytic paradigm is that adult behaviors and feelings, particularly psychological problems, are deeply rooted in childhood experiences, and that the unconscious mind significantly influences our personality and behavior.
Step-by-step explanation:
Central Assumption of the Psychoanalytic Paradigm
The central assumption of the psychoanalytic or psychodynamic paradigm is that our behaviors and feelings as adults (including psychological problems) are rooted in our childhood experiences and that the unconscious mind plays a critical role in shaping our personality and behavior. According to Sigmund Freud, the founder of psychoanalytic theory, the human mind consists of three main parts: the id, ego, and superego which operate simultaneously. The id is driven by the pleasure principle, seeking immediate gratification for our wants and needs. The ego, governed by the reality principle, tries to find a balance between the impulsive demands of the id and the moralistic demands of the superego, which represents the internalized ideals and standards for judgment acquired from parents and society. This complex interaction among the id, ego, and superego can lead to internal conflicts, and the ego uses defense mechanisms to help manage the tension and anxiety these conflicts create.
Freud believed that the feelings and thoughts we are aware of represent only a small part of our mental activity; the vast majority is unconscious. He also posited that sexual and aggressive drives, influenced by our early childhood experiences, have a lasting impact on our personality and behaviors. To uncover the unconscious material and better understand one's psychological difficulties, Freud used techniques such as dream analysis, free association, and examination of slips of the tongue.