Final answer:
The component of personality present at birth focused on avoiding pain and seeking pleasure is the id, operating on the pleasure principle.
Step-by-step explanation:
The component of personality that is present at birth, acts as a reservoir of unconscious psychological energy, and is driven by the motives to avoid pain and obtain pleasure is the id. The id operates on the pleasure principle, seeking immediate gratification of its primitive drives or urges for hunger, thirst, and sex. It does not consider social rules or the reality of situations. As the infant grows, the other components of personality, the ego and the superego, develop as a result of social interactions with parents and the environment. The ego acts as the rational part of our personality and is responsible for balancing the unrealistic demands of the id with the moralistic pressures of the superego based on the reality principle, finding realistic ways to satisfy the id's desires.
In contrast, the superego develops around the age of five as the child incorporates societal rules, acting as the moral compass and striving for perfection. It judges our behavior and can lead to feelings of pride or guilt. An imbalance in the interplay between these components can result in psychological issues such as neurosis or anxiety disorders. A dominant id might result in impulsive or narcissistic behavior, while a dominant superego can lead to excessive control and denial of pleasures. A well-balanced ego is indicative of a healthy personality.