The Psychodynamic Approach - The Tripartite Theory

Question 1

What 3 components make up the human personality?

Answer 1

• id
• ego
• superego

Question 2

Describe the Id

Answer 2

• constant conflict with Superego
• instinctive
• primitive
• in the unconscious mind
• born with it
• wants to be pleased (including sexual instincts and desires)
• located in subconscious
• pleasure principle

Question 3

Describe the Ego

Answer 3

• rationality
• ensures Id’s wants are acceptable in “real world”
• mostly located in conscious mind
• moderator between Id and Superego
• logical aspect of personality
• conscious part of personality
• reality principle
• develops in first few years of life
• seeks to compromise (should satisfy both id and superego)

Question 4

Describe the Superego

Answer 4

• in conscious and unconscious mind
• morality
• sense of right and wrong
• what we should do
• gain from same sex parent eg mother and daughter

Question 5

What does the Id do without us realising?

Answer 5

controls all of our behaviour

Question 6

Summary of the tripartite theory of personality

Answer 6

• id and superego = constant conflict
• ego must act as a mediator between the 2
• ego tries to come up with realistic solutions to satisfy both

Question 7

What is ego strength?

Answer 7

• the extent to which someone is able to function despite the conflict between the id and superego

Question 8

What happens if someone has a weak ego?

Answer 8

• may give in too easily to id and superego
• can’t come up with realistic solutions
• may pick fights with others

Question 9

What is a dominant Id?

Answer 9

• impulsive
• uncontrollable
• aggressive behaviours
• possible criminal behaviours
• act without thinking about consequences

Question 10

What is a dominant Superego?

Answer 10

• extremely moralistic
• eg someone who is always championing a cause
• possibly highly judgemental

Question 11

What is a dominant Ego?

Answer 11

• caught up in reality so is extremely rigid in their thinking
• unable to stray from rules or structure
• unable to be spontaneous

Question 12

What might criminal behaviours be caused by?

Answer 12

• dominant id
  or
• weak superego

Question 13

What might a dominant Id or weak Superego cause?

Answer 13

criminal behaviour