Which of the following describes the manifestation of unconscious motives through slips of the tongue?

The manifestation of unconscious motives through slips of the tongue is best described by psychic determinism. This concept is rooted in psychoanalytic theory, which suggests that all thoughts, behaviors, and emotions are influenced by unconscious processes. When individuals make verbal slips, often referred to as "Freudian slips," it is believed that these errors reveal deeper, hidden feelings or thoughts that are not fully acknowledged at the conscious level.

Psychic determinism asserts that these errors are not random; rather, they are indicative of underlying psychological conflicts or desires that the individual may be attempting to repress. For instance, a person might accidentally say the name of an ex-partner instead of their current partner, which could reflect unresolved feelings about that past relationship. Such insights into the unconscious mind are essential in psychoanalytic therapy, where understanding these motivations can lead to greater self-awareness and insight.

This understanding contrasts with the other options, which relate to different aspects of the therapeutic process. Transference involves projecting feelings about significant others onto the therapist, working through pertains to processing and integrating emotions, and clarification refers to helping clients understand and articulate their thoughts and feelings more clearly. While these processes are important in therapy, they do not specifically address the mechanism of unconscious communication through verbal slips.