What is ID in Psychology and in Freud?

George Alvarez 23-06-2023
George Alvarez

The human mind carries a rich composition that justifies its complexity and our surprise and encouragement regarding its study. Thus, even small fractions of it are capable of completely changing our posture and perception of life. Therefore, we will see the meaning of ID for psychology and the psychoanalyst Sigmund Freud.

What is ID?

ID is one of the three instances of the mind, making up the psychic apparatus of every human being Among its many reaches, it helps to shape our personality and our way of acting. In German ES the term refers to something like "he" or "it".

Here we have the instance that feeds the libido, our psychic energy that directs life and achievements. Thus, it is constituted by means of:

  • instincts;
  • pulsions;
  • organic impulses;
  • and unconscious desires that move us to do or be something.

In short, we have the catalyst that pushes us, so to speak, to produce and make other things happen.

Moreover, this part works according to the pleasure principle, regardless of what it may be and represent. In this, it will always seek that which can bring pleasure and will avoid any object of contrary conquest.

The power of inconsequential immediacy

The nature of ID has a fervent and even dangerous impatience, depending on the situation. This is because it doesn't bother to formulate plans and constantly invests in immediate responses. Therefore, as you can imagine, keeping this influence so active hinders the development of actions in everyday life.

See_also: Ab-reaction: meaning in Psychoanalysis

As a result, this ends up causing us to move away from reality, just as this instance does. Our tensions are urgent items and must be attended to as soon as possible, regardless of the cost. Not to mention that he will not accept being frustrated and is completely ignorant of the concept of inhibition or shame. .

Thus, the fantasy, as absurd as it may be, satisfies him and always moves him toward it without understanding the costs. Regardless of the goal, he will do anything to make it come true.

Features

In all three psychic instances, the ID is easily recognizable because of its more eye-catching nature. Furthering this discussion, he is in a constant struggle with the Ego and Superego to take over and give in to savagery. With this he ends up being characterized by:

Impulsive

There is no hesitation and any action is taken without thinking about the consequences. Because of this, many conflicts and situations take on drastic proportions that they should not.

Requirement

He will want his wants as soon as possible for himself, no matter what the difficulties and what they are. In other words, he has a selfish side.

Irrationality

It completely embraces its instinct without making considerations, choices, or thinking about consequences. There is almost a blindness, so that your own perceptions cloud you.

Selfishness

There is nothing beyond the "I", and every effort and conquest made ends up being directed only to it. In fact, this is an indication of the unhealthy relationships you have maintained along the way. In other words, at an exaggerated level, it can bring bad consequences.

Antisocialism

Getting along with other people is an unpleasant task and difficult to accomplish.

Layers

Let's think of our mental perception of the world as the entrance to a cave or a deep hole. As we move away from the entrance we are embraced by a continuous and growing darkness. With this, we have little access to what is happening down there and how it would affect us.

Although the analogy is simplistic, it exemplifies well the approximate location of the ID in our mind. It is in the unconscious stage of our brain, being in one of the deepest parts. In other words, it is le carries an immense difficulty in recognizing social elements .

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In this, for him, there is no space, time, the definition of right and wrong and their consequences. Moreover, it is the place where the sexual impulses are residing. Because of them, he will not accept being hindered and frustrated in carrying out these impulses when he wishes.

What is at the bottom can come to the surface

Freud's work points out that the mind is divided topographically among levels, being conscious, preconscious, and unconscious. Through Psychoanalysis we can see a more refined division, the Ego, Superego, and ID.

Read Also: Ego, Id and Superego in Freud's Psychoanalytic Theory

Although they have their places in the depths already marked, these instances can walk between the mental levels. With this, they prove that they are not or stand still, carrying some flexibility Not to mention how much they influence each other, needing each other while they work.

Limits? unknown

As opened lines above, the characteristics of ID prove its excessively volatile and impulsive character. It is thanks to it that we sometimes take a more uncompensated and unreasonable stance. In this, we end up losing:

Judgment

This is something that this instance is unaware of, removing the value of reason altogether. It cannot weigh its choices and will always go for the one that is most pleasurable and advantageous to it.

Values

It is difficult to try to argue for the rescue of values and to fix the idea of what is right or wrong. In other words, it is very relative.

Ethics

Principles are flawed pillars with little value in this mental structure. You have no respect and no empathy for any idea associated with that.

See_also: Alter Ego: what it is, meaning, examples

Moral

Everything that is seen as right and proper by society is immediately excluded from possibility. After all, if it can limit and take away power or pleasure, following is the last choice.

Example

To better explain the role of ID, think about that gathering of friends at the bar on the weekend. You arrived fairly early on a Sunday night and it is already past 12:00 a.m., and you have to work at 8:00 a.m. In this context, the three instances will be in dispute for you to make your decision based on what they have to say.

The ID will make you choose to stay, making you think of the hours you can still sleep and how much you deserve it. Another drink and an hour wouldn't hurt, because if you are there you have to enjoy it. The Superego will warn you of your responsibilities, how much you need to leave, and the consequences.

In the end, Ego has to make a decision that reconciles these two wills healthily. In the case, you could get some water to drink and go rest, since you are also sleepy Not to mention that the fewer flaws in the work, the better not to feed the comments of the superiors.

Final remarks about the ID

Our psychic construction brings together various elements to adequately support any natural and necessary movement. Thus, the ID ends up concentrating all our strength in wanting to make our wishes come true Being inconsequential, the extreme force here ends up leaving us vulnerable to the serious consequences it can bring.

I want information to enroll in the Psychoanalysis Course .

This is why the balance of power is fundamental to the good conditioning of the resorts together. One regulates the other enough so that more neutral and rational perceptions can be experienced. Without lack or excess, but an equal point where interactions find a common ground.

An easier way to work on these internal pieces is through our online Clinical Psychoanalysis course. Through it, you will have more awareness to deal with obstacles, project new goals and polish your self-knowledge. Furthermore, i t makes it possible, among infinite achievements, to closely understand the manifestation and reach of your own ID in everyday life So hurry up and sign up now!

George Alvarez

George Alvarez is a renowned psychoanalyst who has been practicing for over 20 years and is highly regarded in the field. He is a sought-after speaker and has conducted numerous workshops and training programs on psychoanalysis for professionals in the mental health industry. George is also an accomplished writer and has authored several books on psychoanalysis that have received critical acclaim. George Alvarez is dedicated to sharing his knowledge and expertise with others and has created a popular blog on Online Training Course in Psychoanalysis that is widely followed by mental health professionals and students around the world. His blog provides a comprehensive training course that covers all aspects of psychoanalysis, from theory to practical applications. George is passionate about helping others and is committed to making a positive difference in the lives of his clients and students.