Which psychological theory focuses on the unconscious mind?

Psychoanalysis is the psychological theory that places significant emphasis on the unconscious mind. Developed by Sigmund Freud in the late 19th century, it posits that much of human behavior is influenced by unconscious motives, desires, and conflicts. This theory suggests that individuals may not be aware of these influences, yet they can manifest in overt behaviors, dreams, and even slips of the tongue, known as Freudian slips.

Freud's model of the psyche also includes structures such as the id, ego, and superego, each playing a role in influencing conscious thoughts and behaviors based on unconscious processes. This focus on the underlying mental processes that are not immediately accessible to conscious awareness sets psychoanalysis apart from other psychological theories that might concentrate more on observable behavior or conscious thought processes.

Understanding the unconscious mind is fundamental in psychoanalysis because it provides insight into deeper emotional and psychological issues that may not be addressed through other psychological approaches.