1. Home
  2. Education
  3. Psychology

What Is the Unconscious?

By Kendra Van Wagner, About.com

Definition: In Freud's psychoanalytic theory of personality, the unconscious mind is a reservoir of feelings, thoughts, urges, and memories that outside of our conscious awareness. Most of the contents of the unconscious are unacceptable or unpleasant, such as feelings of pain, anxiety, or conflict. According to Freud, the unconscious continues to influence our behavior and experience, even though we are unaware of these underlying influences.

More Psychology Definitions >> Psychology Dictionary

Explore Psychology

About.com Special Features

A Smarter Future

Tips that will help finance your education, excel in the classroom, and advance your career. More >

How to Ace the GRE

Being well prepared is the first step; here are more essential suggestions. More >

  1. Home
  2. Education
  3. Psychology
  4. Psychology Dictionary
  5. U Index
  6. Unconscious - What Is the Unconscious>

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.