superego
In psychoanalytic theory, the moral component of personality that incorporates societal rules and parental values.
Full Definition
The superego is one of the three structural components of the psyche in Freud's topographical model, alongside the id and ego. It represents the internalized moral standards and ideals acquired from parents and society. The superego operates through two subsystems: the conscience, which punishes the ego with feelings of guilt for moral transgressions, and the ego ideal, which rewards the ego with feelings of pride for living up to moral standards. It often conflicts with the id's primitive desires and can create neurotic symptoms when overly harsh or punitive.
Usage
Usage note: Always written as one word, never hyphenated. Capitalize only when beginning a sentence.
In Context
- "The patient's harsh superego was evident in her excessive self-criticism and perfectionist tendencies." — Clinical assessment
- "Analysis revealed how the superego's punitive voice originated from early interactions with a critical father figure." — Case formulation