Nursing 212

Health Differences Across the Lifespan 2 Study Guide

Freud’s Intrapsychic Theory Freud’s intrapsychic theory states that personality is a constant struggle between instincts and attempts to conform to society. According to Freud, all psychic energy comes from the Id. The Id: • First to develop • Completely unconscious • Contains all drives • Ruled by the pleasure principle • No awareness of reality The Ego: • Second structure to develop • Operates on the reality principle • Mediates conflict among the id, ego, and superego • Provides reality testing • Monitors quality of interpersonal relations • Provides synthesis and coordination • Carries out primary autonomous functions • Defends against anxiety The Superego: • Third structure to develop • Self-criticism based on moral values • Self-punishment • Self-praise based on ego ideal • Most functions are unconscious Libido Theory • Libido theory assumes that biological “needs” drive behavior • The aim of the behavior is to gratify the drive • Drives are either sexual or aggressive in nature • The libido theory explains that the sexual instinct plays an etiological role in the neuroses and that sexual stimulation exerts a predominant force (which is called libido) on mental activity throughout life • The discharge of libido is experienced as pleasure

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