Freud: Id, Ego, and Superego Explained
Sigmund Freud’s most well-known ideas was his theory of personality which proposed that the human psyche is composed of three separate but interacting parts: the id, the ego, and the superego. The three parts develop at different times and play different roles in personality, but work together to form a whole and contribute to an individuals’ behavior
Key Takeaways
Sigmund Freud originated the concepts of the id, the ego, and the superego, three separate but interacting parts of the human personality that work together to contribute to an individual’s behavior
- While Freud’s ideas have been critiqued and labeled unscientific, his work continues to be highly influential in the field of psychology
Sources
Cherry, Kendra. “What is Psychoanalysis?” Verywell Mind, 7 June 2018, https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-psychoanalysis-2795246
Origins
Freud’s work wasn’t based on empirical research, but on his observations and case studies of his patients and others, so his ideas are often viewed with skepticism. Nonetheless, Freud was an enormously prolific thinker and his theories are still considered important.
- In fact, his concepts and theories are the foundation of psychoanalysis, an approach to psychology that is still studied today.
The Mediating Ego
The ego must determine how to meet the needs of the id while upholding social reality and moral standards of the superego.
- A healthy personality is the result of a balance between the id, ego, and superelgo. A lack of balance leads to difficulties.
Id
The earliest part of the personality to emerge is the id. The id is present at birth and runs on pure instinct, desire, and need.
- Throughout life, it remains infantile because it remains illogical and selfish. The ego and the superego develop to keep the id in check.
Critique
Many critiques have been leveled at Freud’s theory of personality.
- The idea that the id is the dominant component of personality is considered problematic
- Freud believed that the superego emerges in childhood because children fear harm and punishment
- However, research has shown that children whose greatest fear is punishment only appear to develop morals-their real motivation is to avoid getting caught and prevent harm
Ego
The second part of the personality, the ego, arises from the id. Its job is to acknowledge and deal with reality, ensuring that the id’s impulses are reigned in and expressed in ways that are socially acceptable.
- Ego operates at conscious, preconscious, and unconscious levels. It is interested in seeking pleasure, it just wants to do so in a realistic way.
Superego
The final part of personality, emerging between 3 and 5, the ******* stage in Freud’s stages of psychosexual development
- Ensures right and wrong are upheld
- Has two components: conscious and ego ideal
- Conscious: forbids unacceptable behaviors and punishes with guilt when a person does something they shouldn’t
- Ego ideal: ideal self that includes rules and standards one should adhere to
- People are often aware of their ideas of right & wrong but sometimes these ideals impact us unconsciously