What does the superego represent in Freud's model?

The superego, according to Freud's model of the psyche, represents the internalized societal norms and morals that an individual acquires through socialization. It acts as a moral compass, guiding behavior and decision-making by imposing values and ethical standards learned from parents, culture, and society at large. This component of personality strives for perfection and judges our actions, leading to feelings of pride or guilt based on whether we adhere to these internalized rules and values.

In contrast to the id, which is driven by basic instincts and desires, and the ego, which balances the demands of the id and the realities of the world, the superego functions to enforce moral behavior and discourage impulses that might conflict with societal expectations. Understanding the superego's role emphasizes how much of our behavior and motivations can be influenced by external societal standards rather than merely internal desires or biological drives.