AP Psychology Practice Test

The superego is a fundamental component of Freud's personality theory that acts as a moral conscience. It develops as children internalize the values, norms, and rules of their parents and society. This part of the psyche provides standards for judgment and helps shape future aspirations by influencing what individuals perceive as right or wrong. The superego strives for perfection, which can create internal conflicts when desires from the id clash with moral standards. This ongoing struggle between the id and the superego is central to Freud's understanding of human personality and behavior.

In contrast, the psychosexual stages refer to distinct phases of childhood development that shape personality and behavior, but they focus more on interpersonal and sexual development rather than providing moral standards. Defense mechanisms are psychological strategies used to cope with anxiety and protect the ego, but they do not set moral or aspirational standards. Fixation denotes a lingering focus on unresolved conflicts during earlier psychosexual stages, but it does not pertain to the moral and ethical guidance provided by the superego.