Narrative 1.14: Narrative and Psychoanalysis
The id
The id is the component present at birth and consists of inborn biological instincts. The id is unconscious and therefore has no contact with reality. It is driven by the pleasure principle which states that the id will always seek pleasure (immediate gratification) and avoid pain. For example an infant will cry until their needs are met or a hungry person will seek out food.
The Ego
The Ego is the partially conscious component of personality that is responsible for dealing with the realistic. The ego is the rational component of the mind that reflects the ability of an individual to perceive, reason and remember.
The ego abides by the realty principle; regulating the behaviour created by id to bring the individual pleasure within the norms of society (the external world). It does this by weighing the costs and benefits of an action before deciding to take action, a realistic means to gratifying instinct.
The Superego
The superego is the internal moral standards of the individual instilled by parent and to a lesser extent social values. It is our sense of right and wrong where we are aware our own transgressions and would feel guilty or ashamed by unethical conduct. The super is comprised of two functions:
1. The ego ideal: Is the positive side of the superego and deals with standards and rules of good behaviour approved by parent and higher authorities. Obeying these rules will lead to feeling of pride, value and accomplishment.
2. The conscience: Is the negative side of the superego and deals with what is viewed as based by parents and society. These behaviour will lead bad consequences and feeling of guilt and remorse
“In a mature, healthy personality, a dynamic balance operates: The id communicates basic needs, the ego restrains the impulsive id long enough to find realistic methods of satisfying these needs, and the super ego decides whether the ego’s problem solving strategies are morally...