The concept of the superego is one of the central elements in the psychoanalytic theory developed by Sigmund Freud during the early 20th century. Functioning as one of the three parts of the human psyche, the superego acts as a moral compass, incorporating the values and norms of society. It develops around the age of five as a child internalizes the moral standards and rules imposed by their parents or guardians, which is also known as the resolution of the Oedipus complex. The superego strives to suppress the urges of the id (the instinctual, primitive component of personality) and tries to make the ego (the realistic part that mediates between the desires of the id and the superego) act upon moralistic standards rather than just realistic principles.
In its functional role, the superego operates on two levels: the conscience and the ideal self. The conscience consists of all the information for which a person has been punished and feels guilty about. In contrast, the ideal self comprises the behaviors and actions for which a person has been rewarded, fostering an internal image of how one should be, often an unattainably perfect vision. This internal strife often leads to feelings of guilt or inferiority when one fails to meet the standards set by the superego. The superego's demands often aim at perfection, setting high standards for control over impulses and behaviors.
Freud believed that the superego could be overly harsh and stringent, leading to what he described as neurotic problems. An overly punitive superego can cause an individual to be driven by feelings of guilt and unworthiness, which can manifest as anxiety, depression, or other psychological issues. This is often reflective of excessive or irrational parental criticism or expectations, which the superego has assimilated. Conversely, a weak superego may lead to the development of individuals who lack moral principles and are unable to control their impulses, potentially becoming antisocial or engaging in delinquent behaviors.
In therapeutic contexts, understanding and analyzing the superego's influence on a person's behavior is crucial. Psychoanalysts work to uncover the unconscious influences and conflicts stemming from the superego, helping clients to resolve these conflicts and develop a healthier, more balanced internal psychological structure. The goal is often to lessen the harshness of the superego, fostering an environment where the ego has more room to maneuver without excessive guilt or self-criticism, leading to a more integrated and healthy personality. Thus, the superego not only shapes morality and guilt, but also significantly influences overall mental health and well-being, underlining its pivotal role in Freudian psychology.