Which of the following statements concerning the ego is true?
A) It develops out of a concern for right and wrong.
B) It develops in response to the Oedipal complex.
C) It operates according to the pleasure principle.
D) It operates according to the reality principle.
E) It operates by "primary process thinking".

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The ego operates according to the reality principle, meaning it seeks to satisfy the id's impulses in ways that are realistic and socially appropriate. It balances the demands of the id, superego, and external reality in making decisions. The development of the ego is not directly related to concepts of right and wrong (A), the Oedipal complex (B), or "primary process thinking" (E). The pleasure principle is actually the operating principle of the id, not the ego (C).

Which of the Following Statements Concerning the Ego Is True