AAMC FL Practice Exam

What is the contribution of the ego according to Freud's theory?

1. It seeks pleasure above all else.

2. It acts as a mediator between Id and Superego.

3. It develops morality from societal norms.

4. It is purely unconscious.

The correct answer is: It acts as a mediator between Id and Superego.

The contribution of the ego according to Freud's theory is best characterized as acting as a mediator between the Id and the Superego. In Freud's model of the psyche, the Id is driven by basic desires and seeks pleasure without regard for reality or morality. The Superego, on the other hand, incorporates the moral standards and ideals that are learned from society and parents. The ego operates in the conscious and preconscious mind and plays a crucial role in balancing the desires of the Id with the regulations of the Superego, all while taking reality into account. This mediation is vital because it helps individuals navigate the complexities of social interactions and personal desires without succumbing entirely to impulsive behavior or overly rigid moral constraints. The ego utilizes defense mechanisms to help manage anxiety and conflict between the often opposing forces of the Id and Superego, ensuring that a person can function effectively in reality. The other options do not accurately capture the function of the ego in Freud's theory. Seeking pleasure above all else is primarily characteristic of the Id. The development of morality from societal norms is more closely aligned with the role of the Superego than the ego. Finally, while portions of the ego can be unconscious, it comprises both conscious and unconscious aspects