According to the psychodynamic perspective, which component of personality primarily uses defense mechanisms, and for what purpose?

• A. The ego, to manage anxiety caused by conflicts between the id and the superego
• B. The id, to satisfy basic urges without delay
• C. The superego, to enforce moral standards through guilt
• D. The unconscious mind, to store repressed memories

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 basic urges without considering consequences.
3. Recognize that the superego represents internalized moral standards and strives to enforce these through feelings like guilt.
4. Identify that the ego functions as the rational part of personality, mediating between the impulsive demands of the id and the moral constraints of the superego.
5. Know that defense mechanisms are unconscious strategies used by the ego to reduce anxiety caused by conflicts between the id and superego.