The unconscious and the subconscious are fundamental concepts in psychology that have been the subject of great interest and discussion throughout history. While both refer to mental processes that are not directly accessible to consciousness, there are significant differences between them that are important to understand. In this article, we will explore the 3 main differences between the unconscious and the subconscious.
1. Nature of information
One of the main differences between the unconscious and the subconscious lies in the nature of the information they contain. The unconscious, as described by Sigmund Freud, is the part of the mind that contains thoughts, feelings, desires and memories that are repressed or inaccessible to consciousness. These unconscious contents can be conflicting, painful or unacceptable to the person, and are manifested through dreams, slips of the tongue, failed acts and neurotic symptoms.
On the other hand, the subconscious refers to the parts of the mind that are below the threshold of consciousness but are not necessarily repressed. In the subconscious, experiences, beliefs, skills and thought patterns are stored that, although they are not consciously accessible, can be easily recovered through certain techniques such as hypnosis or meditation. Unlike the unconscious, the subconscious does not harbor repressed or traumatic content, but simply operates outside of everyday consciousness.
2. Information processing
2.1. Unconscious
The processing of information in the unconscious occurs automatically and involuntarily, without the person being aware of it. According to psychoanalytic theories, the unconscious works through mechanisms such as repression, projection, regression and sublimation to protect the person from disturbing emotions and thoughts. These defensive mechanisms can give rise to psychological symptoms, behavioral disorders and difficulties in relationships with others.
2.2. Subconscious
In contrast, the subconscious processes information in a more flexible and accessible way than the unconscious. Although these thoughts and experiences are not accessed consciously, the subconscious more directly influences a person's emotions, decisions, and actions. For example, the subconscious can influence the perception of situations, intuitive decision making, or the performance of automatically learned skills.
3. Accessibility and modification
3.1. Unconscious
The unconscious is largely inaccessible to ordinary consciousness, since its content is hidden from the conscious mind and only manifests indirectly through dreams, failed acts or free associations. The modification of unconscious contents requires deep and prolonged psychotherapeutic work, in which the patient's resistances and defenses are explored to reveal and work through the underlying conflicts.
3.2. Subconscious
In contrast, the subconscious is more accessible and malleable than the unconscious. Through techniques such as visualization, cognitive-behavioral therapy and neurolinguistic programming, it is possible to access the subconscious and modify limiting beliefs, negative thought patterns or unwanted automatic reactions. The plasticity of the subconscious allows us to consciously work with these contents to promote positive changes in the person's life.
In conclusion, although the unconscious and the subconscious share the characteristic of operating below the conscious level , present significant differences in terms of the nature of the information they contain, its processing and its accessibility and modification. Understanding these differences is essential to explore and work with the mental processes that influence our behavior, emotions and perceptions in everyday life.