An Introduction to Freud’s Psychoanalysis: The Id, Ego, & Super-ego

Sigmund Freud was a Jewish-Austrian neurologist and the co-founder of the psychoanalytic school of psychology. Freud is best known for his theories of the unconscious mind. He is commonly referred to as "the father of psychoanalysis" and his work has been tremendously influential in the popular imagination — popularizing such notions as the unconscious, defense mechanisms, Freudian slips and dream symbolism. Sigmund Freud Born May 6, 1856 Died September 23, 1939

Background -1873: (Age 17) U. of Vienna med. student -One of 8 children, Jewish family -1873: (Age 17) U. of Vienna med. student -1882: Vienna General Hospital – research on the brain -1886: Sets up private practice as consultant for nervous disorders

Freud’s Contributions to the World Model of personality development Philosophy of Human Nature Method of Psychotherapy Identified dynamic factors that motivate behavior Focused on role of unconscious Developed first therapeutic procedures for understanding & modifying structure of one’s basic character

Freud’s Theories The Psychoanalytic Model of Identity Psychoanalysis depends on understanding how the mind works. Consider an Iceberg Model…

Freud’s Mental Iceberg

THE ID — The Demanding Child Ruled by the pleasure principle In short… THE ID — The Demanding Child Ruled by the pleasure principle THE EGO — The Traffic Cop Ruled by the reality principle THE SUPEREGO — The Judge Ruled by the moral principle

Freud’s Theories The Id, Ego, Superego Freud’s theory of Identity is based on a CONFLICT MODEL In other words, we are in constant conflict with ourselves, and our behavior is the winning side of the conflict.

Freud’s Theories The Id, Ego, Superego Freud’s conflict model is based on the idea of the Id, the Ego, and the Superego. These are the components of the self.

Freud’s theory of the mind ID, EGO, SUPEREGO The Id is ruled by The Pleasure Principle: (I WANT, I WANT, I WANT, I WANT!!!!!) “Id” means “it” Pleasure Principle: Cares only about immediate self-gratification; does not care about deferring, doesn’t care about others. It is irrational, emotional, demanding…and STRONG

Freud’s Theories The Id, Ego, Superego The Ego is ruled by The Reality Principle, the Ego is practical. “You can’t always get what you want.” The Ego mediates between the id and the world. The Ego develops strategies to help the id get by until the urge can be satisfied. It takes a tremendous amount of energy to help suppress the id’s urges.

Freud’s Theories ID, EGO, SUPEREGO The Superego: “Over-I” Last part of the mind to develop (by about age 5). The moral part of the mind. Represents societal and parental values. “Steps In” when Mom or the Cops aren’t around.

Freud’s Theories ID, EGO, SUPEREGO If, as an adult, your Id is too dominant? (very self-absorbed, don’t care about others, only out for yourself) If, as an adult, your Ego is too dominant? (distant, rational, efficient, unemotional, cold) If, as an adult, your Superego is too dominant? (guilt-ridden or sanctimonious).