The concept of archetypes as universal symbols is a central element of which psychologist's theory?

• A. Freud
• B. Adler
• C. Jung
• D. Horney

Answer: (C)

The idea that archetypes are universal symbols is central to Carl Jung’s theory. Jung proposed a collective unconscious—a shared layer of the psyche containing archetypes, or inherited templates, that surface in dreams, myths, and fairy tales across different cultures. These archetypes, such as the mother, the hero, the shadow, and the wise old man, shape how people perceive and respond to the world because they reflect deep, inherited patterns rather than just personal experience. Their universality explains why similar symbols and storylines recur worldwide, giving meaning to experiences that feel familiar across diverse cultures. This focus on inherited psychic structures sets Jung apart from others who emphasize personal drives or social factors, like Freud with his emphasis on psychosexual development, Adler with striving for superiority and social interest, or Horney with cultural and neurotic needs.