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

• A. The id uses defense mechanisms to satisfy its instinctual desires without facing consequences.
• B. The superego uses defense mechanisms to enforce moral standards and punish the ego.
• C. All components of personality equally use defense mechanisms to maintain psychological balance.
• D. The ego uses defense mechanisms to manage anxiety arising from conflicts between the id and the superego.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the three components of personality according to the psychodynamic perspective: the id, the ego, and the superego.
2. Recognize that the id operates on instinctual desires and seeks immediate gratification without concern for consequences.
3. Know that the superego represents internalized moral standards and strives to enforce rules and punish the ego for wrongdoing.
4. Identify that the ego acts as the mediator between the id and superego, balancing their demands and reality.
5. Learn that defense mechanisms are unconscious strategies used by the ego to reduce anxiety caused by conflicts between the id's desires and the superego's moral constraints.