Psychoanalytic Foundations

Psychology of the Self and Models of the Mind

Self psychology is established as a psychoanalytic model based on Sigmund Freud's theories, conceiving the mind as a territory of conflicts between different instances.

Two main models are used: the Topographic (Conscious, Preconscious and Unconscious) and the Structural (Ego, Ego and Super-ego).

It is a common mistake to think that the Ego is purely conscious or that the Super-ego is only preconscious; in reality, the mental map is more complex.

The Ego has a large conscious portion, in charge of reality, but it also houses unconscious processes (such as defense mechanisms).

The Super-ego, which represents morals and norms, operates both consciously (when we choose to follow a rule) and unconsciously (automatic guilt).

The Ego is maintained as the reservoir of primitive and repressed instincts at the unconscious level.

Summary

The psychology of the Self is based on Freudian theories that conceive the mind as a scenario of conflicts between instances, using the Topographic and Structural models to explain its functioning.

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