Which theory explores the role of unconscious desires in shaping behavior?

Psychoanalytic Theory, developed by Sigmund Freud, fundamentally explores how unconscious desires, thoughts, and memories influence behavior and personality. The theory posits that much of human behavior is driven by hidden motivations and conflicts arising from unconscious desires that stem from early childhood experiences. It emphasizes the importance of the unconscious mind in shaping an individual's actions, mental processes, and emotional responses, often through concepts such as repression and defense mechanisms.

In contrast, Behaviorism focuses on observable behaviors rather than internal mental states, suggesting that behavior is learned through interactions with the environment without consideration for unconscious processes. Gestalt Psychology emphasizes perception and holistic processing, concerned less with unconscious desires and more with how individuals perceive patterns and structures. Cognitivism, on the other hand, revolves around understanding mental processes such as thinking, memory, and problem-solving, but it does not prioritize the role of unconscious desires in behavior.

Thus, Psychoanalytic Theory stands out as the only perspective that actively investigates the depths of the unconscious mind and its impact on behavior, making it the correct answer.