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Preconscious In psychodynamic theory, descriptive of material that is not in awareness but can be brought into awareness by focusing one's attention. Unconscious In psychodynamic theory, descriptive of ideas and feelings that are not available to awareness. Suppression The deliberate, or conscious, placing of certain ideas, impulses, or images out of awareness. Psychoanalysis Freud's method of exploring human personality. Psychic structure In psychodynamic theory, a hypothesized mental structure that helps explain different aspects of behavior. Id The psychic structure, present at birth, that represents physiological drives and is fully unconscious. Pleasure principle The governing principle of the id—the seeking of immediate gratification of instinctive needs. Ego The second psychic structure to develop, characterized by self-awareness, planning, and delay of gratification. Reality principle Consideration of what is practical and possible in gratifying needs; the governing principle of the ego. Defense mechaism In psychodynamic theory, an unconscious function of the ego that protects it from anxiety-evoking material by preventing accurate recognition of this material. Superego The third psychic structure, which functions as a moral guardian and sets forth high standards for behavior. Identification In psychodynamic theory, the unconscious adoption of another person's behavior, values, and standards into the superego. Moral principle The governing principle of the superego, which sets moral standards and enforces adherence to them. Psychodynamic theory Sigmund Freud's perspective, which emphasizes the importance of unconscious motives and conflicts as forces that determine behavior. Dynamic refers to the concept of psychological forces in motion. Eros In psychodynamic theory, the central, fundamental instinct to preserve and perpetuate life. Libido (a) In psychodynamic theory, the energy of eros; the sexual instinct. (b) Generally, sexual interest or drive. Erogenous zone An area of the body that is sensitive to sexual sensations. Defense mechanism In psychodynamic theory, an unconscious function of the ego that protects it from anxiety-evoking material by preventing accurate recogni- tion of this material. Repression A defense mechanism in psychodynamic theory; the automatic, unconscious ejection of anxiety-evoking ideas, impulses, or images from awareness. Regression A defense mechanism in psychodynamic theory; the unconscious function of the ego that protects it from anxiety-evoking material by preventing accurate recognition of this material. Rationalization A defense mechanism in psychodynamic theory; the use of self-deceiving justifications for unacceptable behavior. Displacement A defense mechanism in psychodynamic theory; the transfer of ideas and impulses from threatening or unsuitable objects to less threatening objects. Projection A defense mechanism in psychodynamic theory; the thrusting of one's own unacceptable impulses onto others so that others are assumed to have those impulses. Reaction formation A defense mechanism in psychodynamic theory; engaging in behavior that opposes one's genuine impulses to keep those impulses repressed. Denial A defense mechanism in psychodynamic theory; the refusal to face the true nature of a threat. Sublimation A defense mechanism in psychodynamic theory; the channeling of primitive impulses into positive, constructive efforts. Psychosexual development In psychodynamic theory, the process by which libidinal energy is expressed through different erogenous zones during different stages of development.