What does psychoanalysis primarily involve?

Psychoanalysis primarily involves the exploration of unconscious conflict, which is a foundational concept established by Sigmund Freud. This therapeutic approach seeks to uncover and interpret the underlying psychological processes that influence an individual's thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. By delving into the unconscious mind, psychoanalysts aim to reveal hidden motivations, unresolved conflicts, and repressed memories that may be contributing to psychological distress.

The process often includes techniques such as free association, dream analysis, and examining transference, which collectively help bring unconscious material to the surface. This exploration is thought to facilitate insight and self-understanding, enabling individuals to work through their issues and promote healing.

In contrast, the other options relate to different psychological practices that do not primarily focus on unconscious conflicts. Behavior modification techniques involve changing specific behaviors through reinforcement or punishment. Cognitive restructuring aims at altering distorted thinking patterns. Developmental stage analysis examines psychological growth stages and their associated challenges but does not focus specifically on uncovering unconscious processes. Each of these alternatives targets distinct aspects of psychological functioning and therapy, but exploratory work with unconscious conflict is central to psychoanalysis.