Comparison and Contrast: Freud's 3Part Model vs. 7PartSelf Model

Freud's 3Part Model of Self:

Freud's model consists of three main components:

1. Id:

   • Function: The primal part of the psyche, driven by instinctual needs and desires.

   • Principle: Operates on the pleasure principle, seeking immediate gratification.

   • Role: Source of basic drives and urges (e.g., hunger, sex).

   • Developmental Aspect: Present from birth, representing the most basic form of human consciousness.

2. Ego:

   • Function: The realistic part that mediates between the desires of the Id and the realities of the external world.

   • Principle: Operates on the reality principle, seeking to satisfy the Id's desires in socially acceptable ways.

   • Role: Decision-maker, balancing demands of Id and Superego with reality.

   • Developmental Aspect: Develops over time as the individual interacts with the external world and learns constraints.

3. Superego:

   • Function: The moralistic part, representing internalized societal and parental standards.

   • Principle: Operates on the morality principle, aiming for perfection and adherence to societal norms.

   • Role: Imposes guilt and strives for an ideal self.

   • Developmental Aspect: Develops later in childhood through the internalization of cultural norms and parental values.

7PartSelf Model:

The 7PartSelf model, developed by David Eagle, expands the understanding of the Self into seven interconnected parts:

1. Somnium Nexu (Dream Connection):

   • Function: Connects personal and collective dreams, engaging in simulation and meaning-making.

   • Principle: Semiotics (study of signs and symbols).

   • Role: Bridges personal experiences with collective unconscious.

2. Fulcrum of Identity:

   • Function: Central organizing locus for consciousness and identity.

   • Principle: Identity.

   • Role: Balances and integrates all parts of the Self.

3. Hic Sum (Here I Am):

   • Function: Neurological realm of inner workings.

   • Principle: Neurology.

   • Role: Stores historical and adaptive aspects of the Self.

4. Fit Mihi (It Happens to Me):

   • Function: Sensory realm, processing outer world stimuli.

   • Principle: Sensory.

   • Role: Interprets sensory input from the environment.

5. Internal Stimulus:

   • Function: Triage internal stimuli for stability and predictability.

   • Principle: Dissociative/Pervasive Spectrum.

   • Role: Maintains internal stability.

6. External Stimulus:

   • Function: Triage external stimuli for survival.

   • Principle: Preference/Protection System.

   • Role: Interacts with external world for survival.

7. Ecce Me (Behold Me):

   • Function: Observable behavior and actions.

   • Principle: Behavioral.

   • Role: Actualizing force in self-development and societal interaction.

Comparison:

• Scope and Complexity: Freud’s model is simpler with three parts focusing on basic drives, reality mediation, and moral standards. The 7PartSelf model is more complex, addressing broader aspects like dreams, identity, internal and external stimuli, and behavior.

• Developmental Focus: Freud’s model emphasizes psychosexual development and internal conflict between drives. The 7PartSelf model incorporates a more holistic development, including neurology, sensory processing, and the integration of collective and personal experiences.

• Integration: Freud’s Ego mediates between Id and Superego, often leading to conflict. The Fulcrum of Identity in the 7PartSelf model acts as a central integrator, balancing all seven parts harmoniously.

• Behavioral Aspect: Freud’s model sees behavior as an outcome of internal conflicts. In contrast, the 7PartSelf model views observable behavior (Ecce Me) as a distinct part influenced by both internal and external stimuli.

Shortcomings in Freud's Model Addressed by 7PartSelf:

1. Holistic Integration: Freud's model often views the psyche in conflict. The 7PartSelf model promotes an integrated approach, viewing the Self as a cohesive unit with multiple interconnected parts.

2. Neurological and Sensory Dimensions: Freud's model lacks a detailed understanding of neurological and sensory processing. The 7PartSelf model includes Hic Sum and Fit Mihi to address these aspects, recognizing their importance in self-identity and interaction with the world.

3. Collective and Personal Experiences: Freud’s model does not explicitly address the collective unconscious or the role of dreams in personal and collective experiences. The 7PartSelf model incorporates Somnium Nexu to bridge this gap, emphasizing the role of collective symbols and dreams.

4. Dynamic Balancing: Freud's Ego is often caught in the struggle between Id and Superego. The Fulcrum of Identity in the 7PartSelf model dynamically balances all parts, facilitating smoother integration and adaptation.

5. External Interaction: Freud's model focuses more on internal conflicts and moral standards. The 7PartSelf model includes External Stimulus and Ecce Me to address interaction with the external environment and observable behavior comprehensively.

The 7PartSelf model thus provides a more nuanced and comprehensive understanding of the human Self, addressing the limitations of Freud's 3Part model by integrating a wider range of psychological, neurological, and behavioral aspects.