Structural model of the personality

The ID

(When, what, how, where)

Exists from birth, so it’s the most primitive part of our personality

Its initial contents are what babies want, psychological representations of biological drives - survival (food, drink, sleep) and reproductions (sex)

Operates on the ‘pleasure principle’ seeks only pleasure

Usually said to be entirely unconscious

The ego

At the start, it is no more than perceptual consciousness and then memories of these experiences

Begins to develop properly from around 18 months, it is ‘the part of the id which has been modified by the direct influence of the external world. Your ideas of yourself is just your conscious ego self-representation

Works on the ‘reality principle’ - takes account of reality and works out how to achieve pleasure within realistic constraints. Is aware of other peoples feelings and the that the id cant always have its own way. Delays id’s drive for pleasure and may repress certain desires, thoughts and emotions

Involves conscious, preconscious and unconscious processes and states

The superego

Develops out of the ego from around 3 years old

We set up an internal representation that operates as an ideal for how to be. However, we also learn that there are things that are prohibited, that we may not be or want to do.

Punishes the ego for wrongdoing through guilt and rewards it through self-love

Conscious parts are the values you are aware of; unconscious parts play a role in punishing the ego and repressing the id

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