Human Growth and Development

Freud's Three Levels of the Mind: ●​ The Id:

＞ ​ The most basic part of personality, present from birth. ＞ ​ Works on an unconscious level, driven by biological needs and instincts. ＞ ​ Seeks immediate pleasure and avoids discomfort (pleasure principle).

●​ The Ego:

＞ ​ Develops around age 3 to balance the id's desires with reality.

＞ ​ Operates on the conscious, preconscious, and unconscious levels.

＞ ​ Follows the reality principle , finding acceptable ways to meet the id's needs.

＞ ​ Uses defense mechanisms to manage anxiety from conflicts between the id, superego, and reality.

＞ ​ Example: Repression—blocks unacceptable thoughts from reaching the conscious mind.

●​ The Superego:

＞ ​ Forms around age 5 and represents moral values and social rules. ＞ ​ Develops through childhood interactions with parents and caregivers. ＞ ​ Acts as a conscience , guiding behavior and aiming for perfection. ＞ ​ Works on both conscious and unconscious levels.

Freud's psychoanalytic theory says that the unconscious mind plays a big role in shaping personality and behavior. He believed that unresolved childhood conflicts , especially those linked to basic instincts and desires, could be pushed into the unconscious. These hidden conflicts might later cause psychological problems

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