Freud's Theory of Id, Ego and Super- Ego

The id, ego, and super-ego are names for the three parts of the human personality, these terms are part of Sigmund Freud's psychoanalytic personality theory. According to Freud, these three parts combine to create the complex behaviour of human beings, these terms have different meanings and control different things within the human behaviour.

ID: The id is an important part of our personality, it allows us to get our basic needs met. Freud believed that the id is based on our pleasure principle, because it is known that the id wants whatever feels good at the time, with no consideration for the reality of the situation. The id operates based on the pleasure principle, which demands immediate gratification of needs.

EGO: The ego is normally referred to a person's sense of self-esteem or self-importance. However, in Freud's psychoanalytic personality theory, the ego is the realistic part; the part that is organised and mediates between the desires of the id and the super-ego.

SUPER-EGO: The Super-Ego is the part of a person's mind that acts as a self-critical conscience, that helps the human behaviour reflect on social standards learned from parents, teachers and their environment.