Subconsciously vs. Unconsciously

Attribute	Subconsciously	Unconsciously
Definition	Below the level of conscious awareness	Not within conscious awareness
Processing	Automatic processing without conscious effort	Processing without conscious awareness
Control	Less control compared to conscious processes	Little to no control
Impact	Can influence behavior and decisions	Can also influence behavior and decisions

Definition

Subconsciously and unconsciously are two terms often used interchangeably, but they actually have distinct meanings. Subconsciously refers to the part of the mind that is not fully aware but still influences thoughts and behaviors. On the other hand, unconsciously refers to mental processes that occur without awareness or intention.

Attributes

Subconsciously involves thoughts, feelings, or behaviors that are not consciously recognized but can still impact decision-making. For example, someone may subconsciously prefer a certain type of food without consciously realizing it. Unconsciously, on the other hand, involves mental processes that are completely hidden from awareness. These processes can include automatic bodily functions like breathing or heart rate.

Impact on Behavior

Subconscious influences can play a significant role in shaping behavior. For instance, a person may subconsciously avoid certain situations due to past negative experiences. Unconscious processes, on the other hand, can have a more profound impact on behavior as they operate without any conscious control. This can manifest in behaviors that seem to come out of nowhere.

Role in Decision Making

Subconscious factors can influence decision-making by subtly guiding preferences and biases. For example, a person may subconsciously choose a certain brand of clothing because of past positive associations. Unconscious processes, on the other hand, can lead to decisions that are completely out of alignment with conscious desires or beliefs. This can result in actions that seem contradictory to one's values.

Relationship to Awareness

Subconscious thoughts and behaviors may eventually become conscious through introspection or therapy. This means that what was once hidden can be brought to light and understood. Unconscious processes, on the other hand, remain hidden from awareness and are not easily accessible through conscious means. This makes them more difficult to uncover and address.

Connection to Psychology

Subconscious processes are often studied in the field of psychology to understand how they influence behavior and decision-making. Techniques like hypnosis and dream analysis are used to access and explore the subconscious mind. Unconscious processes, on the other hand, are more closely associated with psychoanalytic theories that delve into the depths of the mind to uncover hidden motivations and conflicts.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while subconscious and unconscious are related terms, they have distinct attributes and implications. Subconsciously refers to influences that are not fully conscious but still impact behavior, while unconsciously involves processes that occur without awareness. Understanding the differences between these two concepts can provide insight into the complexities of the human mind and behavior.