In psychoanalytic theory, one of the three major divisions in the structural model of the psychic apparatus, the others being the id and the superego. The ego represents the sum of certain mental mechanisms, such as perception and memory, and specific defense mechanisms. It serves to mediate between the demands of primitive instinctual drives (the id), of internalized parental and social prohibitions (the superego), and of reality. The compromises between these forces achieved by the ego tend to resolve intrapsychic conflict and serve an adaptive and executive function. Psychiatric usage of the term should not be confused with common usage, which connotes self-love or selfishness.
The rational conscious aspect of a person’s personality that regulates impulses enabling him or her to maintain self-esteem.
(In psychology) the part of the mind which is consciously in contact with the outside world and is influenced by experiences of the world.
Term used by Freud and now generally accepted to mean the self, especially the conscious self.
The portion of the personality that exhibits reason and consciousness, processes thoughts and feelings, comprehends reality, and copes with life. In Latin, the word “ego” means “I”, and the ego is central to a person’s identity. In the writings of Sigmund Freud, whose work forms the basis of modern psychoanalysis, the ego acts as a kind of a go-between to balance the demands of the instinctual self with those of morality and conscience.
The part of the mind that develops from a person’s experience of the outside world and is most in touch with external realities. In Freudian terms the ego is said to reconcile the demands of the id (the instinctive unconscious mind), the superego (moral conscience), and reality.
A psychoanalytical term to describe that part of the mind which develops as a result of the individual’s interactions with the outside world. Freud describes the Ego as reconciling the demands of the Id (a person’s unconscious, instinctive mind), the Superego (moral conscience) and the reality of the outside world.
In psychoanalytic theory, one of the three major divisions in the model of the psychic apparatus. The others are the id and superego. The ego is involved with consciousness and memory and mediates among primitive instinctual or animal drives (the id), internal social prohibitions (the superego), and reality. The psychoanalytic use of the term should not be confused with its common usage in the sense of self-love or selfishness.
The perception of one’s self. According to Freud’s psychoanalytic theory, the ego plays a vital role in striking a balance between the id’s instinctual, subconscious drives, the superego’s regulations, and the requirements of the external world.