186 Christopher R. Bell
nature of psychical conflict. The topographical model relies on a
surface/depth metaphor wherein the psyche is composed of distinct
layers—Conscious, Preconscious, Unconscious—each relatively
autonomous yet also transitioning imperceptibly into each other. Sadler et
al. (1997) note that these psychical spaces become more autonomous and
strictly defined during times of intense psychical conflict (p. 64). The
structural model of the psyche employs the metaphor of psychical
‘structures’ or ‘agencies’ that carry out specific functions. These agencies
are the Super-Ego, Ego, and Id. The Super-Ego is “the organized psychic
representative of the parental authority figures of childhood... this mental
agency functions as the individual’s conscience and is also a vehicle for
ideals derived from parents and, through them, society” (Sadler et al.,
1997, p. 170). The Ego is “a structure that develops largely to cope with
the demands and restrictions of external reality and to mediate between the
drives, reality, and, later, the superego” (Sadler et al., 1997, p. 170).
Finally, the Id is “regarded as the reservoir of instinctual drives and wishes
(particularly childhood sexual and aggressive wishes) as well as repressed
contents held back by the ego through the application of counter-forces.”
(Sadler et al., 1997, p. 169).
Where Freud might stake a legitimate claim to fame is in directly
linking the origin of the unconscious with repressed sexuality. Here again,
however, the standard narrative of Freud as a liberator of repressed
Victorian sexuality needs to be critically re-contextualized. For instance,
Myers and DeWall (2018) depict Freud’s late 19th century Viennese social
context as:
[A] time of tremendous discovery and scientific advancement, but
also of sexual suppression and male domination. Men’s and women’s
roles were clearly defined, with male superiority assumed and only male
sexuality generally acknowledged (discreetly). These assumptions
influenced Freud’s thinking about personality. He believed that
psychological troubles resulted from men’s and women’s unresolved
conflicts with their expected roles. (p. 462)