According to Carl Jung, what are "archetypes"?

Carl Jung's concept of archetypes refers to universal symbols representing shared human experiences. These are fundamental components of the collective unconscious, which is a part of the psyche shared among all people. Archetypes manifest in various forms, such as characters, themes, and motifs in myths, stories, and dreams across different cultures. For example, the Hero, the Mother, and the Shadow are all archetypes that express universal human themes and challenges.

Understanding archetypes is significant in the field of psychology because they provide insight into common patterns of thought and behavior that transcend individual experiences. Jung believed that by recognizing these archetypes within ourselves and others, we can gain a deeper understanding of our motivations, fears, and desires.

The other options, while they may touch on related concepts, do not accurately capture the essence of Jung's archetypes. For instance, the idea of highly personal symbols unique to individuals speaks more to personal symbols or images than the universal nature of archetypes. Additionally, specific patterns of behavior in therapy and emotional responses to stimuli do not encompass the broader and more profound impact of archetypes in Jungian psychology.