Framework Card
Freud Iceberg Theory
A psychological model showing how our conscious mind is only a small part of our mental activity.
Psychology
Mind
What Freud's Iceberg Theory Is About
Freud's Iceberg Theory, developed by Sigmund Freud, uses the metaphor of an iceberg to explain the human mind.
It divides the mind into conscious and unconscious parts, illustrating how much of our behavior is influenced by hidden, unseen factors.
Freud compared the mind to an iceberg: only a small part (the conscious mind) is visible above the surface, while the much larger portion (the unconscious mind) lies beneath.
Core Concept of the Iceberg Theory
Freud's Iceberg Theory divides the mind into three levels:
- Conscious Mind: The part we are fully aware of, including thoughts and experiences.
- Preconscious Mind: Just below the surface, containing memories and information that can be easily accessed.
- Unconscious Mind: The largest part, containing hidden emotions, desires, and past experiences that heavily influence behavior.
