How is consciousness defined in psychology?

In psychology, consciousness is defined as an individual’s awareness of their thoughts, feelings, and surroundings. This definition emphasizes the subjective experience of being aware and having the capacity to notice and reflect on one’s own mental and emotional states, as well as the external environment. This includes sensory experiences, emotional states, and cognitive processes, allowing individuals to experience life in a vivid and personal way.

This understanding of consciousness is fundamental to various psychological theories and studies, as it encompasses not only the ability to experience but also to process and integrate information from internal and external sources. Without this awareness, many psychological phenomena, such as attention, perception, and subjective experiences, would not be fully understood.

Other options, while related to mental functioning, do not fully capture the essence of consciousness. Logical reasoning and decision-making may be components or functions of a conscious mind, but they do not encompass the broader awareness required to define consciousness as a whole. Memory of past events is certainly a key aspect of our conscious experience; however, it is a specific facet rather than a comprehensive definition.