Final answer:
The term 'ideal self' is not one of the three mental structures composed one's personality according to Freud. Instead, the three structures are the id, ego, and superego. The ideal self concept is not part of Freudian theory.
Step-by-step explanation:
Sigmund Freud identified three mental structures that compose one's personality: the id, ego, and superego. The ideal self is not one of these structures according to Freudian psychology.
The id is the source of our primitive drives and operates on the pleasure principle, seeking immediate gratification. The ego, which operates on the reality principle, is the rational part that balances the id's desires with the real world. The superego develops through social interactions and acts as our moral compass, guiding us towards socially acceptable behaviors and creating feelings of guilt when we fall short of our societal ideals.
Freud's theory suggests that a healthy personality is one where the ego effectively balances the competing demands of the id and superego. An imbalance in these forces can lead to neurosis and various psychological problems. However, it is important to note that many aspects of Freud’s theories have been questioned by contemporary psychology.