According to psychoanalytic theory, the id operates on which principle?

• A. The adaptation principle
• B. The reality principle
• C. The pleasure principle
• D. The morality principle

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that psychoanalytic theory, developed by Freud, describes three components of personality: the id, ego, and superego.
2. Recall that each component operates according to a specific principle guiding its behavior and decision-making.
3. Identify that the id is the most primitive part of personality, focused on immediate gratification of desires and instincts.
4. Recognize that the id operates according to the pleasure principle, which seeks to avoid pain and gain pleasure without considering reality or morality.
5. Contrast this with the ego, which operates on the reality principle, and the superego, which operates on the morality principle.