Reality Principle

The reality principle is an expression of the mature mind's ability to avoid instant gratification in favor of long-term satisfaction. In order to do so, the reality principle does not ignore the id, but strives to find balance in satisfying its desires. The reality principle achieves this balance in realistic and socially appropriate ways through awareness of and adjustment to environmental demands. The manner in which it moderates the pleasure principle and assures satisfaction of instinctual needs is by weighing the costs and benefits of an action before deciding to act upon or abandon an impulse. The reality principle forces the mind to consider the risks, requirements and outcomes of various decisions. The ego does not strive to eradicate the urge, but instead it temporarily halts the discharge of the id's energy until a more suitable time and place. The ego works to ensure that the id's needs are met in ways that are safe, realistic, and appropriate. This necessary delay is accomplished through secondary process. An example of the reality principle at work is a person who is dieting, but chooses not to give into cravings. He or she knows that satisfying their unhealthy cravings, and thus satisfying the pleasure principle, provides only short-term empty satisfaction that thwarts the objective of the diet. In order to maintain control over the id, the ego must come up with realistic plans of action that can satisfy its needs, also known as reality testing.