Which statement about Freud's structural model is correct?

• A. The id mediates between the ego and the superego to maintain reality.
• B. The id is the source of instinctual drives.
• C. The ego mediates between the id and the superego to maintain reality.
• D. The conscious mind houses unconscious wishes.

Answer: (A)

The main idea is that the ego is the mediator within Freud’s structure, balancing the demands of the id and the superego while keeping actions tied to reality. The id holds instinctual drives and operates on the pleasure principle, pushing for immediate gratification. The superego represents internalized morals and ideals, enforcing standards and guilt. The ego collaborates with reality, finding realistic and socially acceptable ways to satisfy the id’s impulses without violating moral guidelines. That’s why the statement about the ego mediating between the id and the superego to maintain reality is the best description. The id doesn’t mediate between the other two; it generates impulses. Also, the conscious mind housing unconscious wishes isn’t accurate—the unconscious contains many wishes and conflicts, not just hidden desires in the conscious mind.