ABSTRACT
Sigmund Freud's distinction between the ego, the id and the superego is probably one of his best known and most widespread accomplishments. This chapter explores the reasons Freud harboured for introducing the 1923 model, and for proceeding with its refinement. For ego psychologists The Ego and the Id is undeniably an indispensable text, and for them the tripartite model of the mind holds pride of place as a basic conceptual requisite. Against the ego psychological tide, some psychoanalysts have also criticised the tripartite model for its departure from clinical reality and for its theoretical obscurity, thereby endorsing Freud's own opinion of his work. The ego and the super-ego were both conscious and extended beyond consciousness, whereas the id was simply and solely unconscious. This is amply demonstrated by the localisation of the id and the unconscious in the second graphical representation.
