In Freud's theory, which structure is responsible for moral judgments?

Prepare for the ILTS Early Childhood Education (206) Test with flashcards and multiple choice questions. Each question includes hints and explanations. Ready yourself for success!

Freud's theory of personality comprises three structures: the id, ego, and superego. Among these, the superego plays a crucial role in moral judgments. It represents an internalized set of ideals and values acquired from parents and society, serving as a psychological construct that governs ethical conduct and judgments about right and wrong.

The superego operates on the morality principle, demanding that an individual adheres to societal norms and standards. It strives for perfection and can create feelings of guilt when its standards are not met, reinforcing moral behavior. This process of internalization leads the superego to critique the actions and desires generated by the id, which is the primitive and instinctual part of the mind focused on basic pleasures and satisfaction.

In contrast, the id is concerned only with immediate gratification and operates on the pleasure principle, while the ego mediates between the id, the superego, and reality. The conscious mind refers to what we are aware of at any given moment but does not specifically relate to moral judgments as a structural element.

Thus, the involvement of the superego in setting moral standards and guiding appropriate behavior makes it the correct answer in the context of Freud's personality theory.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy