Hello, I’m João Barros, a psychoanalyst with great interest in exploring how our mind develops early on. Today, let’s dive into the fascinating world of the superego and understand how it is formed during childhood. The superego is a crucial part of our personality, influencing our moral decisions and our sense of right and wrong.
What is the superego?
Before we explore how the superego develops in childhood, it is important to understand what it represents. The superego is one of the three parts of the personality, according to the psychoanalytic theory of Sigmund Freud, alongside ID and ego. While ID seeks to satisfy our immediate desires, and ego balances these desires with reality, the superego incorporates the moral standards we learn, guiding us about what is right or wrong.
The superego is like an inner voice that tells us when we are about to do something that goes against social rules or norms. It is formed by internalizing the rules and values of our parents, educators and society in general. This happens mainly during childhood, when we are more receptive and influential.
Superego Development in Childhood
Superego formation begins early, around 3 to 5 years old. At this stage, children begin to understand that there are rules and expectations about how they should behave. Parents and caregivers play a fundamental role in this process, as they set limits, reward good behavior and penalize or correct bad behavior.
As children grow, they begin to internalize these rules and values, thus forming their superego. This process is influenced by how adults deal with them, especially in situations of punishment or compliment. If a child is constantly criticized or punished severely, he can develop a very rigid superego, leading to excessive feelings of guilt.
Influences on the development of the superego
The family is not the only influence on the development of the superego. The school, friends and the media also play important roles. At school, children learn additional social rules and are exposed to different perspectives on what is considered acceptable behavior.
The influence of parents, however, is particularly significant because they are the first models of behavior for children. If parents show respect for moral rules and values, children are more likely to do so. On the other hand, if parents are inconsistent in their expectations or demonstrate behaviors contrary to the values they preach, it can confuse the child and make it difficult to develop a healthy superego.
Consequences of the development of the superego in adulthood
The development of the superego during childhood has significant implications for adulthood. A well -developed superego can guide us to make ethical decisions and maintain healthy relationships, while a weak or overly rigid superego can lead to problems of self -esteem, anxiety or antisocial behaviors.
In addition, the superego influences our ability to deal with guilt and shame. If a person has a very critical superego, they may feel crushed by guilt for past mistakes, while someone with a less developed superego can have difficulty recognizing the impact of their acts on others.
Understanding how the superego develops in childhood can help us be more conscious parents and educators, promoting an environment that encourages the growth of a healthy and balanced superego. This, in turn, can lead to a more compassionate and responsible society.
In short, the development of the childhood superego is a complex and multifaceted process, influenced by a variety of factors, including family, school and society. By better understanding this process, we can work to create environments that promote the development of morally healthy and responsible individuals.
