The Stages of Sigmund's Freud Theory of Psychosexual Development Essay Example
THE STAGES OF SIGMUND FREUD'S THEORY OF PSYCHOSEXUAL DEVELOPMENT
INTRODUCTION
Sigmund Freud (1856-1939) was a Viennese physician, trained in neurology that can be considered as the most influential of the psychodynamic theorists. He created an entirely new perspective on the study of human behavior, focusing on the unconscious instinct and urges rather than the conscious (Morris & Maisto, 1998). Freud stressed that human nature was based more on desire than reason and ones past experiences as being the major determinants of future behavior and personality development.
PERSONALITY DEVELOPMENT Turner & Helms 1995 outlines that Freud devised a theory of personality that can be applied to the behavior of both child and adult. Freud theorised that there are three parts of personality, the ID, EGO and SUPEREGO. They become integrated through a sequence of stages.
The ID is the source of basic biologic needs and desires. As outlined by Atkinson et al 2000, the id is an unconscious drive and operates according to the pleasure of hedonistic principle which means obtaining immediate pleasure and avoiding pain at all cost. The ids force operates at the unconscious level and drives the individual to desire instant gratification.
The EGO is the conscious rational part of personality that emerges in early infancy to direct the id’s impulses at acceptable times and places to appropriate objects. Freud postulates that the ego exists solely to fulfill the aims of the id but that ego maturity develops as a means of restraining the ids demands. The ego operates by the, using intelligent reasoning, it delays satisfying the id’s desires until it can do so safely. (Morris & Maisto 1998)
The SUPEREGO is the center of morality and conscience which develops from interaction with parents and the demands of society, and through the ego facing the task of reconciling the demands of the id, the external environment and with the internal superego. The superego
INTRODUCTION
Sigmund Freud (1856-1939) was a Viennese physician, trained in neurology that can be considered as the most influential of the psychodynamic theorists. He created an entirely new perspective on the study of human behavior, focusing on the unconscious instinct and urges rather than the conscious (Morris & Maisto, 1998). Freud stressed that human nature was based more on desire than reason and ones past experiences as being the major determinants of future behavior and personality development.
PERSONALITY DEVELOPMENT Turner & Helms 1995 outlines that Freud devised a theory of personality that can be applied to the behavior of both child and adult. Freud theorised that there are three parts of personality, the ID, EGO and SUPEREGO. They become integrated through a sequence of stages.
The ID is the source of basic biologic needs and desires. As outlined by Atkinson et al 2000, the id is an unconscious drive and operates according to the pleasure of hedonistic principle which means obtaining immediate pleasure and avoiding pain at all cost. The ids force operates at the unconscious level and drives the individual to desire instant gratification.
The EGO is the conscious rational part of personality that emerges in early infancy to direct the id’s impulses at acceptable times and places to appropriate objects. Freud postulates that the ego exists solely to fulfill the aims of the id but that ego maturity develops as a means of restraining the ids demands. The ego operates by the, using intelligent reasoning, it delays satisfying the id’s desires until it can do so safely. (Morris & Maisto 1998)
The SUPEREGO is the center of morality and conscience which develops from interaction with parents and the demands of society, and through the ego facing the task of reconciling the demands of the id, the external environment and with the internal superego. The superego