1. Home
  2. Education
  3. Psychology

What Is the Superego?

By Kendra Van Wagner, About.com

Definition: According to Freud's psychoanalytic theory of personality, the superego is the component of personality composed of our internalized ideals that we have acquired from our parents and from society. The superego works to suppress the urges of the id and tries to make the ego behave morally, rather than realistically.

Explore Psychology

About.com Special Features

A Smarter Future

Tips that will help finance your education, excel in the classroom, and advance your career. More >

How to Ace the GRE

Being well prepared is the first step; here are more essential suggestions. More >

  1. Home
  2. Education
  3. Psychology
  4. Psychology Dictionary
  5. S Index
  6. Superego - What Is the Superego>

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.