ego psychology
in psychoanalysis, an approach that emphasizes the functions of the ego in controlling impulses, planning, and dealing with the external environment. Ego psychology differs from classical psychoanalysis in proposing that the ego contains a conflict-free sphere of functioning and that it has its own store of energy with which to pursue goals that are independent of instinctual wishes. In addition, ego psychology theories extend beyond classical psychoanalytic drive theory by combining a biological and psychological view of the individual’s development with a recognition of the complex influences of sociocultural dimensions on individual functioning. The scope of psychoanalysis is thereby broadened from the study of unconscious events and psychopathology to exploration of adaptive processes within the matrix of interpersonal, familial, and sociocultural forces. Compare id psychology.