Basic Human needs:
Freud believed that biology plays a major part in human development, although not in terms of specific instincts, as in other species. He theorized that humans have two basic needs. First is a need for bonding, which Freud called the life instinct, or eros (from the Greek god of love). Second we also have an aggressive drive he called the death instinct, or death. These opposing forces operate at an unconscious level and generate deep inner tension.
Freud’s model of Personality
1. The Id – the Latin for “it” represents the human being’s basic drives
Which are unconscious and demand immediate satisfaction.
Rooted in biology, the id is preset at birth making a newborn
A bundle of demands for attention, touching, and food.
2. The ego – Latin for “I” which a person’s conscious efforts to balance
Innate pleasure-seeking drives with the demands of society.
The ego develops as we become aware of ourselves but also
Realize that we cannot have everything we want.
3. The superego – Latin meaning above or beyond the ego, which is the
Cultural values and norms internalized by an individual.
The superego operates as our conscience, telling us why we
We cannot have everything we want. The superego begins
To form as a child becomes aware of parental control and
Matures as the child comes to understand that everyone’s
Behavior must take into account culture norms.
Sublimatiom - redirects selfish drives into socially acceptable behavior.
Sexual urges, for example may lead to marriage, just as
aggression may give rise to competitive sports.