What characteristic is associated with the superego?

The characteristic associated with the superego is best represented by the pursuit of feelings of pride and avoidance of guilt. The superego is a critical component of Sigmund Freud's structural model of the psyche, which also includes the id and the ego. The superego acts as the moral compass of the personality, incorporating societal norms and values learned from parents and culture.

It aims to regulate behavior through feelings of pride when one adheres to moral standards and feelings of guilt when they fall short. This regulatory role encourages individuals to strive for perfection and moral integrity, while also promoting the ideal self. Hence, the focus on maintaining a sense of pride and steering clear of guilt clearly aligns with the functions of the superego.

The other characteristics do not accurately depict the superego. Logical decision-making is more aligned with the ego, which mediates between the desires of the id and the constraints of the superego. The pursuit of pleasure without moral consideration aligns with the id, which operates on the pleasure principle, seeking immediate gratification. Avoidance of painful memories might relate more to defense mechanisms employed by the ego rather than a defining characteristic of the superego.