Id, Ego, Superego

Id

-unconscious

-present at birth

-consists of primarily sexual and aggressive instincts

-these instincts power and direct all human behavior

-id functions according to the pleasure principle

Pleasure principle

Id seeks pleasure for itself without any regard for the needs, wants or concerns of others

Ego

-mostly conscious

-develops soon after birth (anal stage)

-called the "self"

-mediator between id and superego

-stands for good reason and good sense, for rational ways of coping with frustration

-ego functions according to the reality principle

Reality principle

the foundation of this principle is the concern for safety. Ego tries to find appropriate ways to satisfy needs.

Superego

-mostly unconscious

-develops around age 4-6 (phallic stage)

-also called the "conscience" because it floods the ego with feelings of guilt and shame when we think or do something that society defines as wrong

-it is opposite of id and just as irrational

-its purpose is to inhibit urges of the id

-it would rather be moral than realistic

-it strives for perfection and is too hard and demanding

-superego functions according to the moral principle

Moral principle

by incorporating the standards and values of parents and members of the community, the superego provides us with our moral sense. It makes us feel guilty when we act contrary to societal mores and values.