Tripartite Theory of Personality

Id, Ego, and Superego

Definition:

Freud’s personality theory saw the psyche structured into three parts (i.e., tripartite), the id, ego, and superego, all developing at different stages in our lives. Each component adds its own unique contribution to personality and the three interact in ways that have a powerful influence on an individual. Each element of personality emerges at different points in life.

The Id:

• According to Freud, the id is the source of all psychic energy, making it the primary component of personality.
• The Id is the only component of personality that is present from birth.
• This aspect of personality is entirely unconscious and includes instinctive and primitive behaviors.

The Ego:

• According to Freud, The Ego develops from the id and ensures that the impulses of the id can be expressed in a manner acceptable in the real world.
• The ego functions in the conscious, preconscious, and unconscious mind.
• The ego is the component of personality that is responsible for dealing with reality.

The Superego:

• According to Freud, the superego begins to emerge at around age five.
• The superego holds the internalized moral standards and ideals that we acquire from our parents and society.
• The superego provides guidelines for making judgments.

The superego has two parts:

1. The conscience includes information about things that are viewed as bad by parents and society. These behaviors are often forbidden and lead to bad consequences, punishments, or feelings of guilt and remorse.
2. The ego ideal includes the rules and standards for behaviors that the ego aspires to.