The ego: mediating function and principle of reality

Welcome to another article on psychoanalysis! Today we will talk about the ego, a fundamental structure of the human personality. The ego is responsible for mediating between our unconscious desires and the reality that surrounds us. It is he who helps us deal with the demands of the outside world and find a healthy balance between our needs and the limits imposed by society.

EGO INTRODUCTION

The ego is one of the three instances of personality, along with the ID and the superego. While ID is responsible for our primitive impulses and the superego for our moral conscience, the ego acts as a mediator between these two forces. It allows us to deal with reality effectively, while considering our desires and needs.

Imagine that you are in a situation where you want something, but you know it is not possible to have now. Your ego goes into action, helping you find a solution that meets your needs in a realistic way. This may involve postponing desire satisfaction or finding a more viable alternative.

The mediating function of the ego

The main function of the ego is to mediate between our unconscious desires and reality. He does this through processes such as repression, negation and sublimation. Repression involves pushing unwanted thoughts or desires to the unconscious, while denial implies refusing to accept an unpleasant reality. Sublimation, on the other hand, is the process of channeling energies or desires in more constructive directions.

For example, if you have a strong desire for something you can’t have, your ego can help you find a related activity that is more affordable. This can be painting, writing or practicing a sport, depending on your interest.

The principle of reality

The principle of reality is a fundamental concept inpsychoanalysis. It refers to the ego’s ability to evaluate reality objectively and make decisions based on this assessment. This involves considering the consequences of our actions and adapting to circumstances.

When we are facing a challenging situation, our ego can help us keep our feet on the ground, reminding us of real limitations and possibilities. This does not mean that we should be pessimistic, but realistic, considering both obstacles and opportunities.

EGO DEVELOPMENT

Ego development begins in childhood and continues throughout life. During childhood, the ego develops as the child learns to deal with the demands of the environment and to balance his desires with the expectations of parents and society.

As we grow, our ego continues to develop and become more complex. This may involve learning to better manage stress, make more informed decisions and deal with interpersonal relationships more effectively.

A healthy ego is able to adapt to life changes and find creative ways to solve problems. It also allows us to maintain positive self -esteem, even in the face of challenges and criticism.

Conclusion

In short, the ego plays a crucial role in our lives, acting as a mediator between our unconscious desires and reality. It helps us deal with the demands of the outside world effectively, while considering our needs and desires.

Understanding ego better and its operation can help us develop strategies to deal with life’s challenges in a healthier and more balanced way. This involves cultivating greater self -awareness, learning to manage stress and finding constructive ways to express our desires and needs.

I hope this article has been useful for you to better understand the ego and its function in our personality. Remember that ego development is a continuous process, and there is always room to grow and learn more about ourselves.

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