Freud's Theory of 'The Self'

Freud’s theory of the self is a psychoanalytic theory which separates the mind into 3 different parts that we are controlled by: the id, the ego and the superego. The id is the part of the brain that acts upon primitive instincts and impulses like anger, hunger, thirst, pleasure, pain, and will do anything to get instant gratification without thinking about consequences and moral aspects. The id unconsciously serves to relieve pain and act on instincts such as sex and aggression. The id is what causes impulses to be acted out so satisfaction is immediately achieved, regardless of any consequences or how unreasonable/chaotic the demands are. It is not affected by logic or reality and is can be selfish/irrational if that means instant relief. When demands are met it causes pleasure whereas if demands are not met it can cause tension. 

The superego represents the moral part of us that is consciously responsible for making the right decisions and values the morals of society that are taught to them by their parents and others present while being raised. The superego’s function is to control the impulses caused by the id, especially when the impulses involve acts such as sex and aggression that go against society’s rules. It can even persuade the ego to postpone satisfaction and turn to the morally good goals instead of realistic ones as the superego strives for perfection to become the best possible version of the self. This ideal self is the image of how you think you should be and can represent aspirations, and how you think you should treat others and act in society. A high standard for your ideal self can cause feelings of failure, the ideal self is determined at a young age depending on how you were brought up and based on parental values. The superego causes feelings of guilt when not please and feelings of pride when morally right decisions are made.

 The ego makes us think rationally and balances between the unrealistic needs of the id and the superego’s need for morally right decisions and tries to satisfy them both, instead of being based on impulses or conscience it instead relies on reality principle. It is part of the secondary process part of the brain and which is used for problem solving and decision making. It works by using reasonable ways of pleasing the id by using realistic strategies to avoid pain and seek pleasure. To avoid consequence of society, the ego may postpone some desired satisfaction as it’s purpose is to achieve desires while also considering social realities. The ego has no morals of its own as its only responsible for pleasing both the id and the superego.