Which term refers to the part of the personality that mediates between instinct and social norms and reality?

Which term refers to the part of the personality that mediates between instinct and social norms and reality?

• A. Ego
• B. Id
• C. Superego
• D. Self

Answer: (A)

The ego mediates between instinct and social norms and reality by balancing immediate desires with the real world and internalized morals. It uses the reality principle to delay gratification, seek feasible compromises, and find ways to satisfy impulses within what’s acceptable and possible. For example, it helps decide whether to act on a impulse now or wait, negotiate, or choose a safer, more appropriate course of action. The id is the source of drives seeking immediate pleasure, the superego contains moral standards, and self isn’t the Freudian term for this mediator.

The ego mediates between instinct and social norms and reality by balancing immediate desires with the real world and internalized morals. It uses the reality principle to delay gratification, seek feasible compromises, and find ways to satisfy impulses within what’s acceptable and possible. For example, it helps decide whether to act on a impulse now or wait, negotiate, or choose a safer, more appropriate course of action. The id is the source of drives seeking immediate pleasure, the superego contains moral standards, and self isn’t the Freudian term for this mediator.