Written by the Fiveable Content Team โข Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 examโขWritten by the Fiveable Content Team โข Last updated September 2025
Definition
Unconscious desires are thoughts, feelings, and urges that are not consciously aware or accessible to an individual. These hidden desires can influence behavior and shape personality.
The ego is another aspect of Freud's theory that acts as a mediator between the id and superego, balancing instinctual drives with societal expectations.
Defense mechanisms are psychological strategies used by individuals to protect themselves from anxiety by distorting reality or denying certain thoughts or feelings.