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.

noun

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

n.

1. In psychoanalysis, awareness of and adjustment to environmental demands in a manner that moderates the pleasure principle and assures ultimate satisfaction of instinctual needs.