Which psychological approach emphasizes the influence of childhood experiences on personality development?

The Psychoanalytic Approach is centered on the idea that early childhood experiences significantly shape an individual's personality and behavior throughout their life. This perspective was pioneered by Sigmund Freud, who believed that unresolved conflicts during the stages of childhood could manifest in adult behavior. According to this approach, unconscious processes and childhood experiences play a vital role in the development of personality traits and mental health issues.

In contrast, the other approaches focus on different aspects of psychology. The Cognitive Approach is concerned with mental processes such as thinking and memory, rather than emphasizing the impact of childhood experiences. The Behaviorist Approach examines observable behaviors and the influence of the environment on these behaviors, largely ignoring internal processes and past experiences. Lastly, the Humanistic Approach emphasizes personal growth and self-actualization, prioritizing the individual's subjective experience and potential for personal development over the significance of childhood events. Therefore, the Psychoanalytic Approach uniquely highlights the formative role that early experiences have in shaping personality.