Outline the structure of the personality according to the psychodynamic approach (4 marks)

According to psychodynamic approaches, the personality is made up of three main components. The id is focuses on the self and an individual's core needs. It is often thought to be mainly concerned with seeking pleasure and is unconscious. The super ego is the area that handles morality and is thought to be the location of the conscience. This is usually based on social & parental values and is also unconscious. The ego is a more rational and balances the needs and desires of the id and the superego. This area is a conscious part of the mind. The psychodynamic approach to personality works on the basis that experiences in childhood shape how individuals develop and behave subsequently in adulthood.