The ego and the self are fundamental concepts in psychology, especially in the theories of Sigmund Freud and Carl Jung. Although both are related to identity and personality, they have different meanings and functions.

Ego

The ego is the conscious part of the personality, responsible for dealing with reality and adapting to the needs of the outside world. It is the psychic instance that allows us to differentiate between the self and the non-self, that is, between our identity and the world around us. The ego is formed from the interaction with parents and society, and its development is influenced by the expectations and values we receive since childhood.

Functions of the Ego

• Adaptation to Reality: The ego allows us to deal with the demands of the outside world, adapting to the situations and circumstances we face.
• Differentiation between the Self and the Non-Self: The ego allows us to distinguish between our identity and the world around us, establishing clear boundaries between what is “me” and what is “not-me”.
• Development of Self-Awareness: The ego is responsible for the development of self-awareness, allowing us to recognize and evaluate our own abilities and accomplishments.

Influences on Ego Development

• Interaction with Parents: Interaction with parents and caregivers influences ego development, as they provide feedback and expectations that shape our self-image and self-esteem.
• Influence of Society: Society also plays an important role in the development of the ego, as it provides us with values and norms that influence our perception of ourselves and the world around us.

In short, the ego is the conscious part of the personality that allows us to deal with reality and adapt to the needs of the outside world, differentiating between self and non-self and developing self-awareness.

Self

The self, on the other hand, is the totality of who we are, including consciousness, the unconscious and the personality as a whole. It is the unique and peculiar essence of each individual, which defines our individuality and subjectivity. The self is perceived as the product of individuation, that is, of the process of integration of the personality. The self is responsible for: Unifying consciousness and the unconscious: The self represents the psyche as a whole, including consciousness, the unconscious and the ego. Defining identity: The self is the person who is “I”, who has a totality based on the process of maturation and development. Symbolizing unity: The self is symbolized by the circle, square or mandala, representing the unification of the conscious and the unconscious.

Key Differences Between Self and Ego

Ego

• It is the center of consciousness and part of the personality
• It develops throughout life through interaction with the environment
• Deals with external reality and social adaptation
• Responsible for mediating between internal impulses and the demands of the outside world
• Focuses on social identity and seeks external approval

Self

• Represents the totality of the psyche, including conscious and unconscious
• It is present from birth as a potential
• Seeks integration and personal fulfillment
• It encompasses the entire personality, including the ego
• It relates to individual essence and self-realization

Main differences

1. Scope: The ego is a part of the personality, while the self represents the psychic totality.
2. Development: The ego forms gradually, while the self already exists as a potential from the beginning.
3. Focus: The ego deals more with external adaptation, while the self seeks internal integration.
4. Function: The ego mediates between impulses and reality, the self seeks individuation and fulfillment.
5. Conscience: The ego operates primarily at the conscious level, the self encompasses both conscious and unconscious.

Conclusion

In short, the ego is the conscious part of the personality, responsible for mediating between the desires of the id and the demands of the superego, while the self is the essence or totality of the personality, including consciousness, the unconscious and the ego. Although both are related to identity and personality, they have different meanings and functions.

Difference Between Self and Soul

The distinction between Self and Soul is a fundamental concept in psychology and philosophy. Although both are related to a person's essence or identity, they have different meanings and contexts.

Self

THE Self, also known as “self,” is a concept developed by Carl Jung in analytical psychology. It refers to the unification of the conscious and unconscious in a person, representing the psyche as a whole. The Self is symbolized by the circle, square, or mandala and is considered the center of the total personality, including consciousness, the unconscious, and the ego.

Soul

THE Soul, on the other hand, is a broader concept and encompasses a variety of meanings in different contexts. In philosophical and religious terms, the soul is seen as the immaterial or metaphysical principle of life, transcending matter. It is often associated with a person's spiritual essence, their consciousness or their spirit.

Differences

The main difference between Self and Soul is that the Self is more specific and refers to the unification of the personality, while the Soul is more generic and can include spiritual and metaphysical concepts. Furthermore, the Self is more related to psychology and personality analysis, while the Soul is more associated with philosophy and religion.

Conclusion

In short, the Self is a psychological concept that refers to the unification of personality, while the Soul is a broader concept that encompasses a person's spiritual and metaphysical essence. Although both relate to a person's identity and essence, they have different meanings and contexts. For more information: https://intuitionuniverse.com/plano-de-mudanca-espiritual-emocional/