ego ideal

In psychoanalytic theory, the ego ideal represents the standards, ideals, and ambitions that an individual assimilates from their superego. The superego itself is the ethical component of personality, developing from parental approval and disapproval, and internalizing societal moral standards. It acts as a person's conscience and also embodies their idealized self-image, which is the ego ideal. The ego, in contrast, is the part of the personality experienced as the "self" or "I," mediating between the id (primitive drives) and the superego, and interacting with the external world through perception. A strong ego is characterized by objectivity, the ability to plan, and resistance to immediate pressures, while a weak ego may lead to distorted perceptions and impulsive behavior.123