reality principle

noun

, Psychoanalysis.

1. the motivating force or mechanism by which the child, who has previously sought immediate gratification of all wishes, realizes that gratification must sometimes be deferred or forgone.

reality principle

noun

1. psychoanal control of behaviour by the ego to meet the conditions imposed by the external world

Word History and Origins

Origin of reality principle¹

First recorded in 1920–25

Example Sentences

The activities of this “pleasure principle”, however, constantly come into conflict with the “reality principle.”

From Project Gutenberg