Question

The structure of personality that evaluates the morality of behavior is called the _________. a. ego b. superego c. libido d. repression

Short answer

b. Superego

Step-by-step solution

Understand the Terms

First, familiarize yourself with the terms presented in the options: ego, superego, libido, and repression. You need to know the meaning and function of each term in the context of personality structures.

Recall the Theory

This question is based on Sigmund Freud's theory of personality, which includes three components: the id, ego, and superego. To answer the question, you must recall Freud's description of these structures and their purposes.

Match the Terms to Functions

Match each term from the options to their respective functions in Freud's theory: a. Ego: Balances the id and superego, mediates between instincts and reality. b. Superego: Represents moral values and ideals, evaluates the morality of behavior. c. Libido: Psychic energy that drives the id. d. Repression: A psychological defense mechanism to keep unwanted thoughts and feelings out of conscious awareness.

Select the Correct Answer

The question specifically asks for the structure that "evaluates the morality of behavior." From the previous matching, the answer is: b. Superego.

Key concepts

Superego

Understanding the concept of the superego is crucial when delving into Freud's theory of personality. It represents the critical and moralizing function within the human psyche, acting as an internalized set of moral standards derived from parents and society. It's akin to an internal 'judge' or 'censor' that evaluates our thoughts and actions based on these learned values and principles. The superego develops through the process of socialization, and its main aim is to suppress the urges of the id that are deemed unacceptable by societal standards.

As it holds our moral compass, it is often in conflict with the id, pushing us to act in socially acceptable and ethical ways. It operates on the 'morality principle' and is divided into two sub-components: the conscience, which punishes us by producing feelings of guilt for actions that it deems bad; and the ego-ideal, which rewards us with feelings of pride and self-satisfaction for actions that fulfill societal standards.

Ego

The ego is the 'executive' structure within Freud's model of the mind, responsible for dealing with reality and ensuring that the impulses of the id can be expressed in a manner acceptable in the real world. It works on the 'reality principle' and is the part of personality that we show to the world.

The ego serves three major functions: firstly, it navigates between desires of the id and the rules of the superego; secondly, it deals with the demands of the external world; thirdly, it manages internal feelings, impulses, and emotions so that we can live in harmony. Importantly, the ego uses defense mechanisms like repression, denial, and rationalization to manage anxiety caused by the conflict between the id and superego.

Id

The id is the most primitive part of the personality, completely unconscious and driven by the pleasure principle. It is composed of instincts and psychic energy – the 'libido'. The id wants immediate gratification for our drives and needs, which include hunger, thirst, anger, and sex.

Since it's not affected by reality, logic, or the everyday world, it operates on the unconscious level and is only concerned with receiving satisfaction for the pleasurable aspects of human needs. The id is with us from birth, and as the primary source of psychic energy, it motivates much of our behavior.

Libido

The term 'libido' in Freudian psychology refers to the energy created by the survival and sexual instincts - it is the driving force of the id. Libido is the fuel that powers the mind and gives the energy needed for the instincts to be expressed.

Freud believed that this energy is the grounding source of all human action, influencing the processes of the mind and its three structures – id, ego, and superego. The libido is dynamic and can get fixated, leading to behaviors associated with different psychosexual stages of development according to Freud's model.

Repression

Repression is considered the cornerstone of Freud's defense mechanisms – methods the ego uses to protect itself from anxiety and stress. It involves unconsciously pushing unacceptable impulses, thoughts, and memories into the subconscious mind.

While these thoughts are out of conscious awareness, they can still affect behavior, often manifesting in dreams, slips of the tongue, and subliminal behaviors. Repression is key in understanding how inner conflicts can lead to complex psychological issues, which is an essential concept in psychoanalytic therapy.

Personality Structures

Freud's model of personality is a complex structure composed of the id, ego, and superego, each contributing to our behaviors and feelings. When explaining personality structures, it's important to grasp how these parts interact with one another.

The id is innate, the ego develops out of the id during infancy, and the superego emerges during the phallic stage of psychosexual development, around the age of five. This interplay creates the dynamic system of the mind that governs our personality, behaviors, and conflicts.

Understanding these structures is not just about identifying the roles they play individually, but also understanding how they relate to one another and to the external world, constantly influencing and being influenced by our environment and experiences.