US High School Psychology Practice Exam

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According to Jung, what layer of the unconscious mind is shared by all humans due to common ancestral experiences?

Personal unconscious
Archetypal unconscious
Collective unconscious
Idea unconscious

The correct answer is: Collective unconscious

The concept of the collective unconscious is central to Carl Jung's theory of personality. This layer of the unconscious mind contains universal experiences and memories that are shared by all humans across different cultures and epochs. Jung believed that the collective unconscious is made up of archetypes, which are innate templates or symbols that express fundamental human experiences. The collective unconscious differs from the personal unconscious, which contains individual experiences, memories, and feelings unique to each person. While the personal unconscious is shaped by one's own life experiences, the collective unconscious reflects shared human heritage and includes myths, symbols, and themes found throughout human history. Jung's idea introduced the notion that certain psychological patterns and imagery are universal, allowing people across diverse backgrounds to connect with these archetypal symbols in similar ways, irrespective of their personal experiences. This understanding helps emphasize the deep connections among humanity, linking our thoughts, emotions, and cultural expressions to a larger human narrative.