AP Psychology Practice Test 2026 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

The ego is the part of personality that mediates between the id, superego, and reality. It operates on the reality principle, meaning it seeks to satisfy the id's desires in a realistic and socially appropriate manner. The ego balances the impulsive demands of the id, which seeks immediate gratification, with the moral and social constraints of the superego, which internalizes societal norms and values. This dynamic interplay allows for more adaptive functioning in everyday life, as the ego makes decisions that consider both desires and regulations imposed by the superego and the realities of the outside world.

The other choices relate to different aspects of psychoanalytic theory. The id represents basic instincts and desires, while the superego embodies moral conscience. The Oedipus and Electra complexes refer to specific stages in psychosexual development related to familial dynamics and are not components that mediate between id and superego. Thus, the ego's role as the mediating force is crucial in maintaining psychological balance and ensuring that behavior is socially acceptable.