Inadequate superego types: weak, deviant, over-harsh

Created by

Izzy Morley

Cards (42)

What is the superego in Freud's psychodynamic theory?
It acts like your internal conscience
How does a healthy superego help in decision-making?
It guides decisions based on moral standards
What is the consequence of lacking an internal moral compass?
Struggles to distinguish right from wrong
What role does the superego play in moral behavior?
It holds your moral standards and induces guilt
How does a deviant superego develop?
Internalizes immoral standards from parents
Observes unethical behavior from parents
Feels no guilt engaging in similar actions
What are the three types of inadequate superegos?
Weak, deviant, and over-harsh
What behavior might result from an over-harsh superego?
Self-blame and defensiveness
What defines a deviant superego?
Internalized immoral standards
Justifies unethical actions
Example: Cheating because parents cheat
How might someone with an over-harsh superego react to discomfort from their inner critic?
They might deflect responsibility to others
What are the characteristics of an over-harsh superego?
Insatiable need to meet unrealistic expectations
Excessive guilt and feelings of inadequacy
Constant self-punishment
What are the characteristics of an over-harsh superego?
Excessively strict moral standards
Causes intense guilt and self-blame
Example: Harshly criticizing oneself after a small mistake
What might happen if you make a small mistake at work with an over-harsh superego?
You may harshly criticize yourself
What is the consequence of not following the superego's guidance?
You may feel guilt instead of pride
What behavior might someone with a weak superego exhibit?
Regular shoplifting without feeling guilty
How does a weak superego contribute to criminal behavior?
It increases likelihood of committing crimes
What could happen if the superego is not properly formed?
It could lead to offending behavior
What feeling do you experience when acting in accordance with your superego?
A sense of self-satisfaction and pride
How does a weak superego affect self-control?
It leads to difficulties in exercising self-control
How does a deviant superego develop?
Through internalizing immoral standards from parents
How does the superego develop according to Freud?
It develops from learning parental beliefs
What is the role of a healthy superego?
It acts as a wise mentor inside your head
What does a healthy superego reinforce in individuals?
Societal rules and norms
What are the characteristics of a weak superego?
Underdeveloped superego
Cannot effectively control impulses
May engage in offending behavior
Lacks a strong sense of right and wrong
How can understanding superego types help in identifying offending behavior?
It helps identify which type leads to offending
Why can a weak superego cause problems?
It fails to provide strong moral guidance
How might an over-harsh superego affect a student's feelings after receiving a B on a test?
They might feel overwhelmingly guilty
What might a child with a deviant superego feel when lying?
No guilt for lying
What does an over-harsh superego set for an individual?
Super high moral standards
What is a weak superego?
A superego that lacks strong moral guidance
What are the characteristics of an over-harsh superego?
Extremely strict superego
Leads to excessive guilt
Causes self-punishment
Individuals may commit offenses to relieve guilt
What does a lack of remorse indicate in someone with a weak superego?
They are not compelled to follow the rules
What are the characteristics of a deviant superego?
Lack of guilt for unethical actions
Embracing unethical behavior as normal
Justifying immoral behavior based on parental example
How do individuals with a deviant superego justify immoral behavior?
By believing it's acceptable or necessary
What does it mean to perpetuate unethical conduct?
Continuing to engage in unethical activities
What is an over-harsh superego characterized by?
Strict and demanding inner voice
Why might a child raised by dishonest parents justify their own unethical behavior?
They view it as acceptable behavior
How does a deviant superego influence behavior?
It leads to no remorse for immoral acts
What are the key effects of a deviant superego on behavior?
Perpetuating unethical conduct
Engaging in cheating feels natural
Justifying immoral behavior
Reasons like "everyone does it" or "it's necessary to succeed"
How might a deviant superego affect a student who cheats on exams?
They may see cheating as normal behavior
What is a deviant superego?
A superego that influences immoral behavior