Superego
Superego
Superego (pronounced soo-per-ee-go) is a term used in Psychoanalytic theory to describe one of the three components of the Personality structure as proposed by Sigmund Freud. The term was first introduced in the 1920s and is derived from the German word "über-Ich", which translates to "over-I" or "above-I" in English.
Etymology
The term "Superego" is derived from the German "über-Ich". "Über" translates to "over" or "above" in English, and "Ich" is the German word for "I". This reflects the concept of the superego as the part of the personality that stands over and judges the actions and thoughts of the ego, or the conscious self.
Definition
The superego is the ethical component of the personality and provides the moral standards by which the ego operates. The superego's criticisms, prohibitions, and inhibitions form a person's conscience, and its positive aspirations and ideals represent one's idealized self-image, or "ego ideal".
Related Terms
- Ego: The part of the personality that mediates between the demands of the id, the superego, and reality.
- Id: The part of the personality that contains our primitive impulses such as thirst, anger, hunger and the desire for instant gratification or release.
- Psychoanalysis: A psychological theory and therapy that aims to treat mental disorders by investigating the interaction of conscious and unconscious elements in the mind.
- Conscience: The part of the superego that includes feelings of guilt, shame, and anxiety.
- Ego ideal: The part of the superego that contains the standards for moral behavior.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Superego
- Wikipedia's article - Superego
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