Chapter The Concepts of Id, Ego and Super-Ego of The Ego and The Id - Study Guide by Sigmund Freud

The Concepts of Id, Ego and Super-Ego

Id - The unconscious part of the mind, which consists of natural instincts, urges and drives that are repressed. It includes "internal events" which stem from the influence of heredity. Although the id is the cause of all activity, the thoughts are often unconscious and repressed. According to Freud, all instincts can be traced back to the existence of the Eros and the Destructive Instincts (or death instinct). Within Eros is the contrast between the instincts of self-preservation and preservation of the species. Its goal is to bind the gap between "ego-love" and "object- love". The second instinct, the destructive instinct, tries to destroy the connections made by Eros

Ego - A defence mechanism that is partly conscious and contains the capacities to calculate, reason, and plan. As the Id relates to internal events, the Ego is occupied with the external world. Its task is to regulate and control instincts provided by the Id. However, in times of sleep, the ego detached itself from the outside world and changes its organization. The prime function of the ego is determined by the individual's experiences.

Super-Ego - The connection between the Id and the Ego. The Super-Ego is the minds link to reality and society. It contains the influence of what is learned from other people. The Super- Ego, unlike the Id, is not intuitive from birth, but acquired from childhood. Once established, one begins to feel guilt.