latent content

Latent content refers to the underlying meaning or message within a symbol, story, or expression that isn't immediately obvious. It's the deeper, often unconscious significance that shapes the surface details. For example, in a dream, the story you remember might be just the manifest content, while the true emotional fears or desires it reveals are the latent content. Identifying latent content helps in understanding hidden motives, feelings, or conflicts that influence behavior or communication beyond what is explicitly shown.