PSY 111 Lecture Notes - Lecture 49: Reality Principle
31 Aug 2018
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To describe structure of personality, freud developed comprehensive theory: held that personality consists of 3 separate but interacting components, id, ego, superego. Suggested 3 structures can be diagrammed to show how they relate to conscious & unconscious. If personality consisted only of primitive, instinctual cravings & longings, it would have just one component. From time of birth, attempts to reduce tension created by primitive drives related to: hunger, sex, aggression, irrational impulses, drives are fueled by (cid:498)psychic energy(cid:499). Can be thought of as a limitless energy source constantly putting pressure on various parts of personality. Goal is immediate reduction of tension & maximization of satisfaction: the ego: Strives to balance desires of id & realities of objective, outside world. Operates according to reality principle: instinctual energy is restrained to maintain individual"s safety & help. Seen as the (cid:498)executive(cid:499) of personality: integrate person into society: makes decisions, controls actions, allows thinking & problem solving of higher order, the superego:
