Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) Practice Test

Which Freudian component is primarily responsible for moral judgments and social responsibilities?

1. Ego

2. Id

3. Superego

4. Conscious

The correct answer is: Superego

The superego is the component of Freud's personality structure that is primarily responsible for moral judgments and the internalization of social responsibilities. It acts as the ethical part of the personality, guiding behavior based on learned societal norms and values. The superego develops throughout childhood as individuals learn right from wrong, often influenced by parental guidance and cultural expectations. It serves to control the urges of the id, which is concerned with immediate gratification, and it regulates the actions of the ego by imposing moral standards and ideals. This internalized moral compass ensures that individuals consider the consequences of their actions on others, promoting socially acceptable behavior and decision-making that reflects the values of society. The superego can create feelings of guilt or pride based on whether a person's actions align with these moral standards, further reinforcing the importance of moral judgment in human behavior.