Structure of Personality – ID, Ego and Superego

There are three structures of personality, the id, ego and superego. Freud is
famous for inventing and developing the technique of psychoanalysis. He was the
one who proposed that personality was made up of these three key elements.
Our personality develops from the interactions among what he proposed. They all
develop at different stages in our lives.


What is the Structural theory of Personality?

A structural theory of personality is a model of emotions. The theory proposes a
specific network of relationship between various levels of personality. These
include the levels of emotions, defense, diagnosis and intra psychic forces as well
as dreams and nightmares.


What is Id?

The id is only a primary process thinker so it is primitive, irrational and illogical.
The id is the personality component made up of unconscious psychic energy that
works to satisfy basic urges, needs and desires. It is a pleasure principle which
strives for immediate gratification. It these needs are not satisfied immediately,
the result is a state anxiety or tension.


What is Ego?

Ego is the view that a person has of himself. It is the way that you look at yourself. It is one’s conscious mind, the part of their identity that they consider their self. If you say someone has a big ego then you are saying he is too full of himself.

Egotistical people do not consider the points of view of others and are often very
opinionated because they are self absorbed. Egotistical people are focused solely
on their own point of view, image and preferences.

Your ego is part of your neuro -physiological system. It helps protect your self-
image and self-worth and it helps create your self-concept. Sometimes though
your ego can get in the way and when that happens, the concern you have for
yourself overrides what actually may be happening in reality.


What is Superego?

The superego is the ethical component of the personality and provides the oral
standard by which the ego operates. The superego’s criticisms, prohibitions and
inhibitions from a person’s conscience and its positive aspirations and ideals
represent one’s idealized self image or ego ideal.

The primary action of the superego is to suppress entirely any urges or desires of
the id that are considered wrong or socially unacceptable. It also tries to force the
ego to act morally rather than realistically. Finally, the superego strives for moral
perfections, without taking reality into account.

A healthy superego is one that recognizes the difference between right and wrong
but is not overly critical of the individual.


Why is it important to develop One’s Personality?

Personality development is the development of the organized pattern of
behaviors and attitudes that makes a person distinctive. It occurs by the ongoing
interaction of temperament, character and environment.

Personality development helps you to develop an impressive personality and
makes you stand apart from the rest. Personality development also plays an
essential role in improving one’s communication skills. Individuals ought to
master the art of expressing the thoughts and feelings in the most desired way.

Written By - Reshman Madhini

Edited By - Vanshu Verma