Theory of Personality (D564) Practice Exam

In Freudian theory, what are the three structures of personality?

1. Id, ego, superego

2. Self, ego, traits

3. Mind, body, spirit

4. Id, superstructure, ego

The correct answer is: Id, ego, superego

In Freudian theory, the three structures of personality consist of the id, ego, and superego. The id represents the primal and instinctual part of the mind, operating based on the pleasure principle and seeking immediate gratification of needs and desires. The ego develops to mediate between the unrestrained desires of the id and the moral constraints of the superego, operating on the reality principle to find realistic ways to satisfy the id's demands. The superego embodies the moral standards and ideals acquired from parents and society, serving as a counterbalance to the id's desires. Together, these three structures interact to shape behavior and personality, with each playing a critical role in governing the complexities of human emotions and actions. Understanding this framework is fundamental in analyzing how individuals deal with internal conflicts and moral dilemmas.