Question

Match each section of the personality (according to Freud) with its description: 1\. Ego 2\. Id 3\. Superego a. Determines right from wrong on the basis of cultural standards. b. Operates according to the 'reality principle"; energy is redirected to integrate the person into society. c. Seeks to reduce tension brought on by primitive drives.

Short answer

Ego is matched with 'b', Id is matched with 'c', and Superego is matched with 'a'.

Step-by-step solution

Match Ego

From the descriptions given, the ego operates according to the 'reality principle', where energy is redirected to integrate the person into society. Therefore, Ego corresponds to description 'b'.

Match Id

From Freud's theory, the id is the instinctual component of personality that operates according to the pleasure principle, which is essentially about reducing tension brought on by primitive drives. Therefore, Id corresponds to description 'c'.

Match Superego

The Superego is the moral component in Freud's structure of the psyche, which determines right from wrong on the basis of cultural standards adhered by society. So, Superego corresponds to description 'a'.

Key concepts

Ego

In Freudian psychology, the ego is often seen as the manager of your personality. It operates according to the "reality principle," which means it's the part of you that makes rational decisions. The ego acts as a mediator between the demands of the id, the superego, and the outside world.
The ego is responsible for integrating a person into society by making choices that consider both immediate desires and long-term consequences.
If you're hungry but in a meeting, the ego helps you decide to wait until the meeting is over to eat. It seeks to satisfy desires in a socially acceptable manner. This component is crucial for functioning effectively in daily life.

• Mediates between id, superego, and reality
• Operates on the reality principle
• Focuses on rational decision-making

Id

The id is considered the most primal part of the human psyche in Freudian psychology. It's all about getting what it wants with no regard for reality or social constraints.
Operating on the "pleasure principle," the id seeks to satisfy basic desires and urges immediately. Think of it as the instinctual part where survival, reproduction, and immediate pleasure are its main goals. For example, if you're feeling cold, the id would tell you to grab the nearest blanket without thinking about its owner's consent.

• Primitive and instinctual
• Guided by the pleasure principle
• Concerned with instant gratification

Superego

The superego can be thought of as your moral compass. It is what informs the feeling of right and wrong based on the cultural standards that you've been taught.
This component acts as the ethical guide of your personality. It strives for perfection, often creating feelings of guilt or pride depending on the adherence to these moral standards.
If you've ever felt bad for an action that goes against your values, that's your superego at work. It checks whether your actions meet societal norms.

• Operates on moral and ethical standards
• Creates feelings of guilt or pride
• Keeps behavior in line with societal norms

Personality

Freudian theory proposes that personality is a complex interplay of different components: the id, ego, and superego. Each has its unique role and they often conflict with one another.
The id wants immediate pleasure, the ego navigates reality, and the superego demands ethical behavior. Together, they shape how we think, feel, and act.
Freud suggested that the interactions between these structures can influence our behavior and personality development. This dynamic system determines how we balance personal desires with social expectations.

• Result of id, ego, and superego interactions
• Involves balance of desires and societal norms
• Influences thoughts, feelings, and behaviors

Cultural Standards

In Freudian psychology, cultural standards are those external guidelines that define what is acceptable behavior within society.
The superego is heavily influenced by these standards, using them to develop a sense of right and wrong. These standards can vary widely from culture to culture and even over time within the same culture.
Cultural standards impact personality development because they guide the superego in establishing moral codes, often learned from parents and community. A strong superego reflects adherence to these norms, providing a framework for societal interactions.

• Define acceptable behavior
• Influences superego formation
• Varies by culture and time