Theory of Personality (D564) Practice Exam

Which of the following statements is true about the superego according to the psychoanalytic perspective?

1. It operates based on the pleasure principle.

2. It represents moral values and ideals.

3. It seeks immediate gratification.

4. It serves as the conscious mind.

The correct answer is: It represents moral values and ideals.

The superego, according to the psychoanalytic perspective developed by Sigmund Freud, is fundamentally concerned with moral values and ideals. It represents an internalized set of standards and rules that dictate how individuals should behave, often in accordance with societal values and parental expectations. The superego acts as a judge or censor over actions and thoughts, promoting feelings of pride when one adheres to these moral codes or guilt when one falls short. This structure is essential in the development of an individual's conscience, guiding behavior in a way that aligns with ethical and moral considerations. In contrast to this, other aspects of the psyche, such as the id, operate on the pleasure principle, seeking immediate gratification without regard for moral consequences. The superego plays a critical role in balancing the desires of the id and the realities of the external world, which is managed by the ego. Therefore, the recognition of the superego as representing moral values and ideals is a fundamental element of understanding personality development within the psychoanalytic framework.