Which principle does the id follow according to psychoanalytic theory?

The principle that the id follows in psychoanalytic theory is known as the pleasure principle. This concept, introduced by Sigmund Freud, suggests that the id is driven by the pursuit of immediate gratification and pleasure, seeking to satisfy basic drives and instincts without consideration for reality or consequences. The id functions primarily in the unconscious mind, operating on impulsive desires and instincts such as hunger, thirst, sex, and aggression.

In contrast, the reality principle is associated with the ego, which mediates between the desires of the id and the constraints of the external environment. The social and morality principles refer to the influences of societal norms and ethical considerations, often associated with the superego, which develops as an individual internalizes societal values. Therefore, the pleasure principle is pivotal to understanding the motivations of the id within the framework of psychoanalytic theory.