According to Freud, which component of personality acts as a moral guide?

Freud's concept of the superego is integral to his theory of personality, as it serves as the moral guide that governs an individual's sense of right and wrong. The superego develops through the internalization of societal norms and values, primarily during childhood, as individuals learn from their parents and surroundings what is deemed acceptable behavior. It operates on the principle of morality, encouraging individuals to adhere to ethical standards and providing a form of guilt when they act contrary to those values.

In contrast, the id represents primal instincts and desires, driven by the pleasure principle without regard for social norms. The ego, on the other hand, functions as the mediator between the id and the superego, operating on the reality principle and attempting to satisfy the id's desires in realistic and socially acceptable ways. Lastly, the concept of the "self" does not have specific relevance in Freud's tripartite model, focusing instead on self-concept or self-awareness as understood in various psychological theories outside of Freud's work. Thus, the superego is clearly defined in Freud's structure of personality as the moral compass that guides behavior in alignment with societal expectations.