This week's reading assignment focused on the structural model of Freud's theory of psychoanalysis. In this theory he claims that human behavior is the result of the interaction between the three components of the mind: the id, the ego and the superego. Freud's theory strongly emphasizes the conflict between these three elements and how they shape personality and behavior. These conflicts, as Freud says, are unconscious. Conflicts in the human mind are fundamental, as psychoanalysis claims. This assignment will attempt to identify and explain the social role of the superego (or an ego ideal) and how it helps (or does not) in social situations. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay First, the id is described as the “most primitive” part of the human mind that represents our instincts, impulses, and needs. It is completely unconscious and makes us behave in ways we don't necessarily want, and is driven by satisfaction regardless of the outcome. The ego is an element of the human mind experienced as 'I' or 'self'. This part must find stability between the Id and the Superego (ideal of the Ego), between instinct and law. It is the rational part that has to make a compromise between the other two parts. The Superego is what Freud called the ethical element of the mind and the part that determines the moral degree with which the Ego behaves. The prohibition and criticism of the superego shape a person's consciousness and personality. The superego is the part that deals with morality and social order, and many call this part of the mind the “moral compass.” Positive thoughts, ideals, and aspirations represent someone's idealized self or "ego ideal." However, the superego can become overly critical and perfectionistic and can have a rather harsh character. On the other hand, the social role of the superego is the clear characteristic of morality. We could say that the Superego is the opposite of the Id and can rebalance the situation. If the id is the part that takes what it wants, when it wants, the morality of the superego prevents us from making impulsive decisions that we might later regret. The superego functions by suppressing the id's impulses and causing them to behave morally. It can be further divided into two other parts: consciousness and the ego ideal. The ego ideal is the part that sets the standards and rules for good and acceptable behavior. These socially accepted behaviors usually come from authority figures, parents, or potentially respected people. Therefore, following these rules can make us feel valuable, proud and fulfilled, instead of breaking rules that can make us feel guilty. The ego ideal represents the image we have created for the ideal self we want to be. This image is often modeled after people who represent the norm for the people we want to become. Conscience is the set of socially accepted rules according to which a particular behavior is considered bad. Therefore, the Superego helps us achieve our socially desirable status, suppress "childish" desires and impulses that can lead us to act in a socially undesirable way, and adapt in a social environment. Remember: this is just a sample. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay However, the superego is a very harsh and critical entity. When this part becomes dominant in the mind, you can be too judgmental, negative and critical of yourself and others. Failure to meet the standards and predominant desires of the Superego can affect the mind and cause psychological problems such as depression, being.