A Level Psychology OCR Practice Exam

Which of the following best describes the 'Superego' according to Freud?

1. Flight from reality

2. An unconscious desire

3. A moralistic part of personality

4. A social pressure to conform

The correct answer is: A moralistic part of personality

The choice that best describes the 'Superego' according to Freud is indeed the moralistic part of personality. The Superego is one of the three components of Freud's structural model of the psyche, alongside the Id and Ego. It represents internalized societal and parental standards and is responsible for our moral compass, guiding our sense of right and wrong. The Superego strives for perfection and can induce feelings of guilt or pride based on adherence to these moral standards. It serves to inhibit the desires of the Id, suggesting actions that align with societal norms and values. In contrast, the other options do not capture the essence of the Superego accurately. The Superego is not merely a flight from reality; that concept aligns more with escape mechanisms like denial or fantasy. It is distinct from an unconscious desire, which would be more reflective of the Id's impulses and drives. Lastly, while the Superego can embody social pressures to conform, it specifically encompasses moral and ethical considerations rather than merely societal expectations. Therefore, identifying it as a moralistic part of personality is the most precise definition.