Which of the following is not a key limitation to Freud's theory?

• A. The role of the collective unconscious
• B. The idea that the ego defends against anxiety
• C. The lack of empirical support for many Freudian concepts
• D. The overemphasis on sexuality

Answer: (B)

Freud’s theory centers on the ego using defenses to keep anxiety in check when conflicts arise between our primitive impulses and moral standards. This idea—defense mechanisms like repression, denial, and rationalization—provides a dynamic, ongoing process that explains how thoughts and feelings can be shielded from awareness and how symptoms can arise from those hidden processes. Because it is a core mechanism of how Freud explains personality and coping, it isn’t viewed as a limitation; it’s a strength that links internal conflicts to observable behavior.

The other items are typical criticisms. Freudian theory is often criticized for lacking solid empirical support for many of its concepts, for overemphasizing sexuality as a driver of development and behavior, and for not incorporating broader ideas like a collective or cultural dimension of the psyche (a notion more associated with other theorists such as Jung).