Ego strength

Individuals differ considerably in the forms and effectiveness of the functioning of their egos and this gives rise to the concept of ego strength. An individual of strong ego tends to have the following characteristics: objectivity in apprehension of the external world; objectivity in self-knowledge or insight; organization of activity over longer time spans; maintenance of schedules and plans; ability to conceive and act on a self-selected course of action; ability to choose between alternatives; direction of drives into socially useful channels; and resistance to immediate environmental and social pressures. The related concept of ego stability refers to the normal as opposed to the neurotic, and to an emphasis on real situations as opposed to imagination and wishful thinking. The ego-weak individual is less capable of productive activity because his energy is drained into the protection of warped and unrealistic self-concepts due to a distorted perception of reality and self.