Id, Superego, Ego

Definition

Id - Represents innate desires; it demands immediate satisfaction. Superego - Acts as moral compass; strives for perfection. Ego - Balances conflict between id (pleasure principle) & superego (morality).

Related terms

Pleasure Principle:

The instinctive drive to seek pleasure and avoid pain, expressed by the id as part of the driving force behind behavior.

Reality Principle:

The ability of the mind to assess the reality of the external world, and to act upon it accordingly, as opposed to acting on the pleasure principle.

Conscience: A part of superego that produces guilt depending on how acceptable behavior is according to internalized cultural rules.