The Theory Of Personality A Psychoanalytic Theory

Freud developed a theory to describe the structure of personality called a psychoanalytic theory. This theory suggested that personality consists of the interaction of three component parts of personality and the mind: the id, ego, and superego. These three components are separate, but work together to make up the self. Each of these are important when it comes to development, and they are all a part of everyone. However, even though these components are at work in everyone, one may be more prominent in one person than another. It is important to understand what each of these components mean. The Id The id is the unconscious and impulsive part of the inner self. The id reacts directly and immediately to the instincts. The id wants†¦show more content†¦Reality often will prevent the self from being able to reach the demands of the id right away. For example, it is not always possible for someone to eat when we they hungry, do to class, work, they are in the car, etc. Since the id is not affected by reality, Freud had to propose a second component of personality, which would be the ego. The Ego Freud refers to the ego as â€Å"that part of the id which has been modified by the direct influence of the external world.† The ego works in order to balance between the unrealistic id and the objective, real world. It referred to as the ‘decision making’ component of personality. While the id is unreasonable, ideally the ego works by reason. This means that the instinctive feelings are controlled, so that the safety of the person is ensured. Essentially, the ego often has to compromise or postpone satisfaction, in order to avoid negative consequences. However, the ego does not have a major concept of right or wrong. It simply makes decisions and keeps the self safe. The idea of right and wrong comes in with the superego. The Superego The final personality structure that is developed is the superego. The superego combines the values and principles of society, which are most likely taught by parents, teachers or other influence people in someone’s life. The superego will develop around the age of 3-5; during the phallic stage of psychosexual development. The superego consists of two