Understanding the Role of the Superego in Psychodynamic Counselling: The Feeling of Being Watched and Judged
7/27/20243 min read
Freud's Superego and the Feeling of Being Watched
Sigmund Freud, the founding father of psychoanalysis, introduced many groundbreaking theories that have deeply influenced our understanding of human psychology. Among his most notable contributions is the model of the human psyche, which he divided into three parts: the id, the ego, and the superego. While each of these components plays a crucial role in shaping our behaviour and thoughts, the superego is particularly significant when exploring the feeling of being watched.
Understanding Freud's Structural Model of the Psyche
Before delving into the superego, it is essential to understand Freud's structural model of the psyche:
Id: The id is the primal and instinctual part of the mind. It operates based on the pleasure principle, seeking immediate gratification for our basic desires and needs.
Ego: The ego functions according to the reality principle, mediating between the desires of the id and the limitations of the real world. It strives to find socially acceptable ways to satisfy the id's urges.
Superego: The superego represents the internalized societal and parental standards of right and wrong. It acts as a moral compass, guiding the ego to make ethical decisions.
The Superego: Our Internal Watchdog
The superego develops as a child internalizes the values and norms imparted by parents and society. It consists of two main components:
The Conscience: This part punishes the ego with feelings of guilt or shame when one behaves contrary to societal norms.
The Ideal Self (Ego Ideal): This part rewards the ego with feelings of pride and self-satisfaction when one meets the ideals and moral standards.
The superego, therefore, functions as an internal watchdog, constantly monitoring our thoughts and actions to ensure they align with our moral and ethical beliefs. This internal surveillance can be so powerful that it manifests as a literal feeling of being watched.
The Feeling of Being Watched
The sensation of being watched can often be traced back to the superego's influence. This feeling is not necessarily tied to an actual observer but rather to the internalized presence of societal and parental expectations. Several factors contribute to this sensation:
Internalized Authority Figures: As children, we learn to behave in socially acceptable ways by observing and internalizing the expectations of authority figures like parents, teachers, and religious leaders. As adults, these internalized figures can create a sense of being watched, as if these figures are still observing and evaluating our actions.
Cultural and Societal Norms: Society imposes norms that dictate acceptable behaviour. The superego absorbs these norms and evaluates our actions against them. This evaluation process can create a feeling of surveillance, as if society itself is watching and judging our every move.
Guilt and Shame: When we contemplate actions that conflict with our moral standards, the superego may induce feelings of guilt or shame, akin to being caught or watched. This emotional response serves as a deterrent, reinforcing adherence to societal norms.
The Impact on Mental Health
While the superego plays a crucial role in maintaining social order, an overactive or harsh superego can have negative implications for mental health:
Anxiety: Constantly feeling watched or judged can lead to chronic anxiety. Individuals may become overly self-conscious, fearing judgment or criticism from others.
Perfectionism: A demanding superego may drive individuals toward perfectionism, where they constantly strive to meet impossibly high standards to avoid feelings of guilt or shame.
Low Self-Esteem: If the superego is excessively critical, it can erode self-esteem, making individuals feel perpetually inadequate or unworthy.
Balancing the Superego
Achieving a healthy balance within the psyche involves moderating the superego's influence. Here are some strategies to help manage the feeling of being watched:
Self-Compassion: Practicing self-compassion can help mitigate the harsh judgments of the superego. By treating oneself with kindness and understanding, individuals can reduce feelings of guilt and shame.
Challenging Internalized Beliefs: Reflecting on and challenging societal norms and parental expectations can help individuals develop a more realistic and personalized moral code, reducing the superego's critical influence.
Mindfulness and Therapy: Mindfulness practices and therapy can help individuals become more aware of their superego's influence and develop healthier ways of coping with feelings of being watched.
Freud's concept of the superego provides valuable insights into the complex workings of the human psyche. While the superego serves an essential function in guiding moral behaviour, its influence can sometimes lead to feelings of being watched, impacting mental well-being. By understanding and balancing the superego's role, individuals can achieve greater psychological harmony and lead more fulfilling lives.