Final answer:
Freud's psychological theories were influenced by the Conservation of Energy Theory, suggesting that the mind has limited mental energy that when blocked, must be redirected, leading to psychological symptoms. The goal of the mind is to achieve quiescence, a state of minimal stimulation to avoid discomfort. Freud described the Ego as negotiating energy demands between the Id, Superego, and reality.
Step-by-step explanation:
Sigmund Freud was heavily influenced by the Conservation of Energy Theory, which states that energy cannot be created or destroyed, but can change forms. For Freud, this principle applied to psychic energy within the mind; he theorized that the mind has a limited amount of this energy. According to Freud, when mental energy pathways are blocked, it must be redirected or manifested in some other way, as energy cannot disappear. This could lead to psychological symptoms or defense mechanisms as a way to manage the unexpressed energy.
Freudian theory suggests that the mind operates with the goal of reaching a state of quiescence, where the amount of stimulation and resultant mental energy is minimized, thus reducing discomfort or psychological tension. An example could be a person sublimating their sexual desires into artistic endeavors when the direct expression of those desires is impeded by societal norms or personal inhibitions.
Overall, Freud described the mind as a complex system of energy distribution and transformation, where the Ego constantly negotiates between the desires of the Id, the demands of the Superego, and the constraints imposed by reality.