Which of the following best describes the superego according to the psychodynamic perspective on personality?

• A. The part of the personality that seeks immediate gratification of basic drives and instincts.
• B. The rational part of the personality that mediates between desires and reality.
• C. The unconscious reservoir of repressed thoughts and memories.
• D. The part of the personality that represents internalized moral standards and ideals acquired from parents and society.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the three main components of personality according to Freud's psychodynamic theory: the id, ego, and superego.
2. Recall that the id is the part that seeks immediate gratification of basic drives and instincts, operating on the pleasure principle.
3. Recognize that the ego is the rational part that mediates between the desires of the id and the constraints of reality, operating on the reality principle.
4. Identify the superego as the part that internalizes moral standards and ideals, representing the conscience and societal rules learned from parents and culture.
5. Match the description of the superego to the option that states it represents internalized moral standards and ideals acquired from parents and society.