Identity of Humans Essay -- essays research papers fc

What is a humans existence? A human being is a combination of the biological makeup of the respective(prenominal) and the state of being. The state of being can be characterized by the individuals state of consciousness, and an individuals state of consciousness is characterized by his or her identity. In the most general sense, identity refers to ones answer to the question, who am I? 1 To fully understand and grasp the concepts and ideas related to identity, ii different psychological perspectives will be explored, as well as three theorists including Sigmund Freud, Erik Erikson, Abraham Maslow, and Carl Rogers. Freud - Psychic StructuresSigmund Freud explored identity through the psychodynamic theory of Psychosexual Development. According to psychodynamic theory, the human constitution is characterized by a dynamic struggle as basic physiological drives come into conflict with laws and social codes.2 Freud then categorized human personality into elements, or psychic structur es. Freud hypothesized the existence of three psychic structures the ID, the EGO, and the SUPEREGO. 3 The ID is present at birth, represents physiological drives, and is unconscious. The ID follows the pleasure principle, which demands instant gratification of instincts without consideration for the law, social norms, or the needs of others. The EGO begins to develop during the first year of life when the child learns that his or her demands for instant gratification cannot always be met immediately. The EGO stands for reason, good sense, and for acute ways of coping with frustration. The EGO is guided through the reality principle, which takes into consideration what is practical and possible in gratifying needs. According to Freud, it is the EGO, which provides the conscious sense of self. The SUPEREGO is the troika and final psychic structure, which develops throughout early childhood. The SUPEREGO incorporates moral standards and values into the individual though the moral pri nciple, which sets moral standards and enforces adherence to them. The SUPEREGO monitors the actions of the EGO and judges them right or wrong. If the SUPEREGO judges an action as wrong then the SUPEREGO floods the EGO with feelings of guilt and shame.4 Freud - Psychosexual Stages of DevelopmentFreud theorized the Psychosexual Stages of Development, which is the process by which libid... ... form to another found on exposure to the environment. Through exploration of these various vies on identity development, a better understanding can be reached for what a human being is.BibliographyBenner, David G., and Peter C. Hill., ed. Baker Encyclopedia of Psychology and Counseling. Grand Rapids, Michigan Baker Books, 1999Elkind, David. Erik Eriksons Eight Ages of Man New York Times Magazine April 1970 25ffErikson, Erik H. Identity early days & Crisis. New York Norton and Co., 1968Kroger, Jane. Identity in Adolescence The Balance between Self and Other. London Routledge, 1989Kunkel, John H. Encounters with Great Psychologists Twelve Dramatic Portraits. Toronto Wall & Thompson, 1989McDavid, John W., and Gary Garwood. Understanding Children Promoting humankind Growth. Lexington, Massachusstts D.C. Health Company, 1978Papalia, Diane E., and Sally W. Olds. Human Development. New York McGraw-Hill Book Company, 1986Rathus, Spencer A. Psychology. Fourth edition. Orlando, Fl Moore and Moore Publishing, 1990 Tarnecki, James. Personal interview. 11 March 2001.Tarnecki, James. Personal interview. 2 April 2001Tarnecki, James. Personal interview. 10 April 2001