depth psychology

American  

noun

1. any approach to psychology that postulates and studies personality from the standpoint of dynamic and unconscious motivation.

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depth psychology British  

noun

1. psychol the study of unconscious motives and attitudes

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Etymology

Origin of depth psychology

First recorded in 1925–30

Example Sentences

His work channeled literary imagery, but also drew influence from Nietzschean nihilism and Jungian depth psychology.

From Salon • Jan. 24, 2026

Among twenty-four invited speakers, all of whom were known for their views about depth psychology, I was the only doubter of psychoanalytic doctrine.

From Scientific American • Jun. 16, 2019

To learn a place is like getting to know a person; it is an exercise in depth psychology.

From The Guardian • Sep. 16, 2016

Nor are we being looked into by somebody who stands outside of us with complete knowledge about our motivations, and a sprinkling of depth psychology.

From Salon • Aug. 20, 2012

In the name of science, depth psychology tells man that he is really guided not by his conscious will but by his unconscious drives.

From Time Magazine Archive