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The Topographic Model: Freud’s Map of the Human Mind

By Mohammed looti / / 1 min read
Scientifically Reviewed · Dr. Marwa Abd-Alazim · August 21, 2026
Medically & Scientifically Reviewed Verified: August 21, 2026
Dr. Marwa Abd-Alazim PhD in Psychology
Faculty Member • University of Kerbala
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This content undergoes rigorous scientific peer-review and medical editorial standards at Arab Psychology Network to ensure clinical accuracy, validity, and compliance with evidence-based guidelines from leading psychological and healthcare authorities (APA / WHO).

The Topographic Model: Freud's Map of the Human Mind
CC BY-NC-ND 4.0

the initial dividing of the psyche into three areas or systems as postulated by Sigmund Freud in 1913. The divided sects are: (i) the system unconscious, comprised of unaware urges clustering around particular drives or instincts; (ii) the system conscious, that permits the person to acclimate to society, differentiate between inner and outer reality, postpone gratification, and anticipate the future; and (iii) the system preconscious, that resides between the unconscious and conscious systems and is comprised of logical, authentic ideas mixed with irrational pictures and fantasies.

TOPOGRAPHIC MODEL: “The topographic model is often referred to as a descriptive or systematic approach.”
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About the Author: Mohammed looti

An academic and researcher specialized in educational psychology and a faculty member at the University of Kerbala. He holds a PhD in his field, and his research interests center on positive psychology, the development of psychological scales, and cognitive emotion regulation. Dr. Looti is distinguished by his contemporary research approach, focusing on the psychological effects of modern technology and artificial intelligence on mental health and identity formation among young people. His scholarly contributions also extend to studying the dynamics of family communication and its role in building self-efficacy and leadership skills, in addition to his research on mindfulness programs and psychological recovery — making him an active researcher enriching the field of educational and applied psychology.

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Cite This Article

looti, M. (2026, August 21). The Topographic Model: Freud’s Map of the Human Mind. Encyclopedia of psychology. https://encyclopedia.arabpsychology.com/topographic-model/
looti, Mohammed. “The Topographic Model: Freud’s Map of the Human Mind.” Encyclopedia of psychology, 21 August 2026, https://encyclopedia.arabpsychology.com/topographic-model/.
looti, Mohammed. “The Topographic Model: Freud’s Map of the Human Mind.” Encyclopedia of psychology. August 21, 2026. https://encyclopedia.arabpsychology.com/topographic-model/.

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