Pleasure Principle

Definition

According to Freud’s psychoanalytic theory, the pleasure principle drives people to seek pleasure and avoid pain as much as possible.

Related terms

Reality Principle:

This is the counterpoint to the pleasure principle and represents the ability to delay gratification in accordance with demands of reality.

Drive-Reduction Theory:

A theory suggesting that physiological needs create an aroused state that drives us to reduce or satisfy those needs.

Hedonism: The pursuit of pleasure; sensual self-indulgence.