Which psychological concept is primarily associated with Freud?

The psychoanalytic approach is primarily associated with Sigmund Freud, who is considered the founder of this school of thought. Freud's theories emphasize the importance of unconscious processes and early life experiences in shaping personality and behavior. Central to the psychoanalytic approach are concepts such as the unconscious mind, defense mechanisms, and the significance of childhood experiences in adult personality. Freud's work also introduced the idea of psychosexual stages of development, which are pivotal in understanding his theories.

In contrast, behaviorism emphasizes observable behaviors and the effects of environmental stimuli, humanistic psychology focuses on individual potential and personal growth, and cognitive psychology studies mental processes such as thinking, memory, and problem-solving. These domains were developed by different scholars and do not align with the foundational ideas that Freud put forth. Thus, the psychoanalytic approach stands as the correct association with Freud's contribution to psychology.