A Level Psychology OCR Test 2026 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

Freud's theory posits that the personality is structured into three distinct but interacting parts: the id, ego, and superego. The id represents the primal, instinctual drives and desires, seeking immediate gratification and operating on the pleasure principle. The ego, developing from the id, functions to mediate between the unrealistic id and the real world, operating under the reality principle. It seeks to find realistic ways to satisfy the id’s desires, while considering the consequences and social norms. The superego embodies the moral standards and ideals acquired from parents and society, serving as a critical conscience that judges the actions and thoughts of the ego.

This model is fundamental in understanding how different aspects of personality can conflict, such as when the id desires instant pleasure, the superego imposes moral restrictions, and the ego tries to balance these competing demands in a socially acceptable way. Each component plays a vital role in shaping behavior and personality development, illustrating Freud's broader psychodynamic theory of personality.