According to Freud, the reality principle is ________.
A) the way in which the ego tries to delay satisfying the id's desires until it can do so safely and successfully
B) the way in which the id tries to obtain gratification and avoid pain
C) the way in which the ego ideal establishes standards of what one would like to be
D) the way in which young children instinctively seek self-actualization

Question

According to Freud, the reality principle is ________.
A) the way in which the ego tries to delay satisfying the id's desires until it can do so safely and successfully 
B) the way in which the id tries to obtain gratification and avoid pain 
C) the way in which the ego ideal establishes standards of what one would like to be
D) the way in which young children instinctively seek self-actualization

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

According to Freud, the reality principle is the way in which the ego tries to delay satisfying the id's desires until it can do so safely and successfully. The ego's job is to find a balance between the id's impulsive demands and the constraints of the external world, and it does so by using the reality principle. This principle allows the ego to delay gratification until it is appropriate or socially acceptable, rather than simply giving in to the id's immediate impulses.

According to Freud, the Reality Principle Is ________