What is the tripartite model of personality?

This model was proposed by Freud. It divides the mind into two sections: the conscious and the unconscious. The id and the superego form the unconscious mind. The id is the first part to develop and it works on the pleasure principle. The superego is the last part to develop and it internalises the rules and cultural norms of society. The id and superego drive the ego - the conscious part of the mind. The ego works on the reality principle and is only part of the mind that we are aware of. Conflict between the id and and the superego may be a cause of mental illness. Ego defence mechanisms, such as regression and repression, protect the ego from these internal conflicts.