Inherent Contradictions in the Ego Ideal

Abstract

The author puts forth a concept of the ego ideal as the fantasied self that the child believes will bring it gratification and happiness. He then shows how the ego ideal’s content evolves through the various stages of psychosexual development in accordance with its mission. A picture emerges of an ego ideal in inherent conflict because it is shaped by contradictory wishes, as well as contradictory fantasies of how to make those wishes come true. A section on romantic love points to a second contradiction within the ego ideal, beyond its contradictory content: a contradiction of aim.

• Ego ideal
• wish
• narcissism
• conflict
• compromise formation
• latency
• adolescence
• romantic love
• superego
• shame
• guilt
• identity