Ego vs. Superego — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on October 13, 2023
Ego is the conscious, rational part of the mind, while the superego represents the internalized societal rules and moral standards.
Difference Between Ego and Superego
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
The ego and the superego are central concepts in Sigmund Freud's psychoanalytic theory of personality. The ego is primarily concerned with reality, ensuring that the individual's desires from the id (the primal part of our personality) are satisfied in socially acceptable ways. It operates on the reality principle, making rational decisions between desires and morality. In contrast, the superego acts as the moral compass of the individual. The superego emerges from the ego and embodies societal values and ideals, often learned from parents and authority figures. It seeks perfection, constantly judging the ego's actions based on moral standards.
While the ego strives to mediate between the desires of the id and the strictures of the superego, the superego pushes the ego to aspire to the highest moral standards, often causing feelings of guilt or pride.
In essence, the ego is the pragmatic mediator, and the superego is the internalized parent or moral guardian.
Comparison Chart
Primary Role
Mediates between reality and desires
Represents moral standards and societal values
Origin
Develops to mediate id's desires with reality
Emerges from the ego as an embodiment of moral values
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Operates On
Reality principle
Morality principle
Relation to Id
Balances desires of id with reality
Judges actions based on moral standards
Typical Feelings
Rational, pragmatic
Guilt, pride, aspiration for perfection
Compare with Definitions
Ego
The conscious part of the mind mediating desires with reality.
The ego ensures we behave appropriately in society.
Superego
Arises from the ego to act as moral guardian.
The superego keeps a check on our moral compass.
Ego
Balances between the demands of id and superego.
His ego tried to find a middle ground between desire and morality.
Superego
Can lead to feelings of pride or guilt.
His superego made him feel proud of his charitable actions.
Ego
The "self" that interacts with the external world.
She has a strong ego, helping her make rational decisions.
Superego
Embodies societal values and ideals.
Children often internalize their parents' teachings into their superego.
Ego
Represents reason and sanity in the psyche.
The ego is constantly navigating between wants and reality.
Superego
The moral component of the mind.
The superego causes feelings of guilt when we err.
Ego
Operates on the reality principle.
The ego made her reconsider her impulsive decision.
Superego
Strives for perfection and judges actions.
Her superego was strict, making her critical of herself.
Ego
A person's sense of self-esteem or self-importance
He needed a boost to his ego
Superego
In psychoanalytic theory, the division of the unconscious that is formed through the internalization of moral standards of parents and society and that censors and restrains the rest of the psyche.
Ego
The self, especially as distinct from the world and other selves.
Superego
(psychoanalysis) The part of the mind that acts as a self-critical conscience, reflecting social standards that have been learnt.
Ego
In psychoanalytic theory, the division of the psyche that is conscious, is responsible for our feelings of selfhood, and most directly interacts with external reality.
Superego
(psychoanalysis) that part of the unconscious mind that acts as a conscience
Ego
An exaggerated sense of self-importance; conceit.
Ego
Appropriate pride in oneself; self-esteem.
Ego
The self, especially with a sense of self-importance.
Ego
The most central part of the mind, which mediates with one's surroundings.
Ego
The conscious and permanent subject of all psychical experiences, whether held to be directly known or the product of reflective thought; the subject consciously considered as "I" by a person; - opposed to non-ego.
Ego
That one of the three parts of a person's psychic apparatus that mediates consciously between the drives of the id and the realities of the external physical and social environment, by integrating perceptions of the external world and organizing the reactions to it. Contrasted with the id and superego.
Ego
Egotism; as, a job requiring a diplomat without too much ego.
Ego
Self-esteem; as, he has an overinflated ego.
Ego
An inflated feeling of pride in your superiority to others
Ego
Your consciousness of your own identity
Ego
(psychoanalysis) the conscious mind
Common Curiosities
Which component often leads to feelings of guilt?
The superego, due to its role as the moral guardian.
How does the superego develop?
It emerges from the ego, representing internalized societal values.
What is the primary role of the ego?
It mediates between individual desires and reality.
Is the superego always rational?
Not necessarily. It's more focused on morality and ideals, which can sometimes be unrealistic.
Which operates on the reality principle?
The ego operates on the reality principle.
How do the ego and superego interact?
The ego often negotiates between individual desires and the moral standards set by the superego.
How does the ego relate to the id and superego?
It mediates between the primal desires of the id and the moral standards of the superego.
Which component is more concerned with social norms?
The superego embodies societal norms and values.
Why is the ego important for daily functioning?
It helps individuals navigate reality, balancing desires with feasible actions.
Why do we sometimes feel guilty even if we haven't done anything wrong?
This can be attributed to the superego, which holds us to internalized moral standards.
Can the superego be too strict?
Yes, an overly strict superego can lead to excessive guilt and self-criticism.
Does everyone have an ego and superego?
According to Freudian theory, yes, they're fundamental components of personality.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
