Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) Practice Test

What concept is central to Carl Jung's theories?

1. Archetypes

2. Persona

3. Therapeutic alliance

4. Collective unconscious

The correct answer is: Persona

Carl Jung's theories are fundamentally anchored in the concept of the collective unconscious. This idea posits that there is a part of the unconscious mind shared among all humans, containing memories and archetypes that are universal across cultures and time periods. The collective unconscious is a repository of experiences and emotions that shape the human experience and influence behavior. While the persona and archetypes are also significant elements in Jung's work, they are components of the broader concept of the collective unconscious. The persona refers to the social mask one wears in public, which can differ from an individual's true self. Archetypes are the universal symbols that arise from the collective unconscious and manifest in dreams, myths, and art. Understanding the collective unconscious is crucial for grasping Jung’s approach to psychology, as it provides insight into the shared aspects of human experience that transcend individual differences, forming the foundation of his analytical psychology.