Which of the following statements about the ego, according to the psychodynamic perspective on personality, is true?

• A. The ego operates primarily on the reality principle, mediating between the id and the superego.
• B. The ego is entirely unconscious and driven by instinctual desires.
• C. The ego represents moral standards and ideals.
• D. The ego seeks immediate gratification of all impulses without considering consequences.

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the three components of personality according to the psychodynamic perspective: the id, ego, and superego.
2. Recall that the id operates on the pleasure principle, seeking immediate gratification of instinctual desires and impulses.
3. Recognize that the superego represents moral standards and ideals, often internalized from parents and society.
4. Know that the ego functions on the reality principle, mediating between the impulsive demands of the id and the moral constraints of the superego.
5. Evaluate each statement by matching it to the correct function of the ego: the true statement is that the ego operates primarily on the reality principle, mediating between the id and the superego.