psychodynamic approach - 'behaviour can be explained by the triparte model of personality'

Question 1

describe this assumption

Answer 1

our personality is split into three parts, the EGO, the SUPEREGO, and the ID. these 3 parts want different things and don’t always agree

Question 2

metaphors for the three parts of personality

Answer 2

ID - ‘devil on your shoulder’ SUPEREGO- ‘angel on your shoulder’ EGO - ‘peacemaker’

Question 3

describe the ID

Answer 3

the id behaves according to the PLEASURE PRINCIPLE. it is a demand to take care of things immediately. it is about instant gratification e.g an infant is pure id as it wants and it wants now. the id is self serving

Question 4

describe the ego

Answer 4

the ego functions according to the REALITY PRINCIPLE. it represents reality, reason and logic and is seen as a peacemaker between the superego and ID as it deals with the competing demands between the two

Question 5

describe the superego

Answer 5

the superego functions according to the MORALITY PRINCIPLE. children learn to internalise parental values and societal standards. it can be thought as a conscience and an inner voice which tells the EGO it is falling short of the ego-ideal - the image one wants to become. there are 2 PARTS of the superego, the CONSCIENCE and the EGO IDEAL. CONSCIENCE - internalisation of punishments and warnings. EGO IDEAL - derived from rewards and positive models presented in childhood. these two communicate their requirements to the ego by creating feelings such as pride, shame and guilt

Question 6

describe the tripartite personality example

Answer 6

according to freud, criminals, particularly ones who commit violent offences, lack remorse and a sense of morality around their behaviour. they also seek instant pleasure and gratification regardless of the costs, especially is psychopaths. this shows how criminals are ruled by their ID and their SUPEREGO is suppressed

Question 7

how a strong/weak ego affects personality

Answer 7

strong - ability to function despite the competitive superego and ID, able to make decisions

weak - results in either a dominant SUPEREGO or a dominant ID

Question 8

attributes of someone with a dominant ID

Answer 8

selfish, demanding, impulsive, no self control, anger outbursts

Question 9

attributes of someone with a dominant superego

Answer 9

submissive, honest, gullible, guilty, considerate