In psychoanalytic theory, the concept that the pleasure principle, which represents the claims of instinctual wishes, is modified by the demands and requirements of the external world. The reality principle reflects compromises and allows for the postponement of gratification to a more appropriate time. The reality principle usually becomes more prominent in the course of development but may be weak in certain psychiatric illnesses and undergo strengthening during treatment.
An awareness of the demands of the environment and adjustment of behavior to meet these demands, pleasure principle.
In psychoanalysis, modifying influences or environment and life circumstances on the pleasure principle, whereby behavior toward the immediate gratification of instinctual pleasures is changed in order to obtain long-term goals.
In psychoanalysis, the idea that the striving for narcissistic pleasure can never be absolute, but instead must be balanced against competing demands placed on the self by other persons and situations.