Question

Describe the difference between conscious and unconscious processing. What did Freud mean by the unconscious? How did Freud think the unconscious affected behavior

Answer 1

Conscious processing includes all of the thoughts, memories, feelings, and wishes of which we are aware at any given moment. On the other hand unconscious processes occur automatically and are not available for introspection. According to Freud the unconscious mind occupies a major portion of our psyche and is a reservoir of feelings, thoughts, urges, and memories that outside of our conscious awareness. The contents of the unconscious are primarily unacceptable or unpleasant, such as feelings of pain, anxiety, or conflict, and are manifested in our everyday behaviours such as dreams, jokes, slip of tongues etc.