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Freud's Theories

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Submitted By lwilburn
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Freud’s Theory of Structural Model involved three stages (Id, Ego, Superego). These stages are meant to describe internal human development within the conscious and unconscious minds. Id is the first stage based on pleasure principle and observed right from birth. Id is the selfish self within us. It has no regard of anything, including time, outside of own satisfaction and needs. It’s job is to express self needs, then gather what it needs to satisfy the feeling(s). Stage two is known as the Ego (I call the middle man). Ego is based on the reality principle. This is when you realize you are not the only one in the world with needs. It’s job is to met the needs of Id and keep reality in mind. The third and final stage known as Superego (phallic stage) here is where moral principle develops. It’s job is to determine if something that Id needs is right or wrong to seek. This stage is more of learned behavior stage because you learn the rights and wrongs taught by our caregivers and environment.

Ego will be the strongest of the three stages, it’s job is to satisfy id needs and not upset superego while recognizing the reality of the situation. Shall Id become the strongest stage, the person will demonstrate impulsiveness and seek self-gratifications. If Superego takes over, the person will become rigid and judgmental. Both Id and Superego are part of the Structural Model but without the balancing of the Ego, the middle-man, within the Structural Model people would most likely be selfish and judgmental without concerning themselves with reality. Wait we do have people like that but not in true form of Id or Superego.

Like Structural Model, Freud’s theory of Topographical Model involves three stages, only these stages focus on our state of consciousness. The different stages are consciousness are subconscious, preconscious, and consciousness. Our subconscious mind is

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