In Freudian psychoanalytic theory, which are the two drive sources?

• A. Ego and Superego
• B. Eros and Thanatos
• C. Conscious and Unconscious
• D. Libido and Id

Answer: (B)

Freud proposed that behavior is energized by two fundamental instinctual drives. One is the life drive, known as Eros, which includes libido and the energy for growth, reproduction, bonding, and pleasure. The other is the death drive, Thanatos, which channels aggression, risk-taking, and a push toward returning to a less energetic, sometimes self-destructive state as a way to discharge tension. These two drives together shape motivation, emotion, and development across the lifespan.

This framing fits the idea of drive sources, rather than personality structures like the ego or superego, or levels of awareness like conscious versus unconscious. It also distinguishes Eros as the life-energy component (with libido as its expression) from Id as a personality structure, which is why Eros and Thanatos is the best answer.