Some Theoretical Considerations on the Formation of the Superego

Recently Alexander1 has elaborated and clarified Freud's concept of the superego. He considers that it consists of two parts, a conscious ideal ego, the pattern to which the individual consciously tries to adapt his life, and an unconscious prohibitory superego which attempts to prevent the direct expression of id impulses. The conscious ego ideal is formed primarily through imitation of the parents, but throughout childhood and into adolescence accretions from many of the adults with whom the child has contact occur. The unconscious superego is formed very early in life from the incorporated parental ideals and prohibitions.

It seems likely, however, that the unconscious superego also consists of two parts—an ideal portion, a goal toward which the individual must strive—and a prohibitory portion—which prevents the expression of id impulses. That is, the former says, “This is the way you should pattern your life”; the latter, “These are the things you must not do in order to pattern your life thus.” Although there is undoubtedly a marked interrelation between the two parts it would seem that both in function and in the mode of carrying out this function they are distinct from each other. The ideal portion provides an outlet—even if a restricted one—for libido—i.e., it has a pleasurable function (release of tension). The prohibitory portion prevents libidinous expression-i.e., it has a painful function (increase of tension). Besides this difference in function there seems to be a difference in the time of formation-at least Klein2 has pointed out that the prohibitory (punishing) portion comes into existence at a very early age.

This difference in function and possible difference in time of development of the two portions of the superego suggests that there