Theory of Personality (D564) Practice Exam

According to Freud's psychoanalytic theory, what principle does the id operate on?

1. Pleasure principle

2. Reality principle

3. Morality principle

4. Safety principle

The correct answer is: Pleasure principle

In Freud's psychoanalytic theory, the id operates on the pleasure principle. This fundamental concept posits that the id seeks immediate gratification of desires and needs, striving to fulfill basic urges and instinctual drives without consideration for the consequences or reality. The pleasure principle is driven by the pursuit of pleasure and the avoidance of pain, emphasizing satisfaction in the present moment. This principle is contrasted with the reality principle, which governs the functioning of the ego, and involves the ability to delay gratification and consider the social and environmental constraints before acting on impulses. The morality principle relates to the superego, which internalizes moral standards and societal rules. The safety principle isn't a recognized term within Freud's theory, indicating a misunderstanding of the foundational aspects of his work. Understanding that the id and the pleasure principle are centered around fulfilling primal desires without regard for the external world is crucial to grasping Freud's model of personality.