Which term refers to the energy of the life instinct in Freudian theory?

• A. Libido
• B. Eros
• C. Thanatos
• D. Aggression

Answer: (B)

In Freudian theory, there are two fundamental drives: the life instinct and the death instinct. The energy that motivates the life instinct is called libido. This psychic energy fuels growth, reproduction, pleasure-seeking, and creative expression, powering behaviors that sustain life. Eros, on the other hand, refers to the life instinct itself—the force or drive—rather than the energy that fuels it. Thanatos is the death instinct, associated with aggression, destruction, and a pull toward decay. Aggression is not the term for the energy of the life instinct; it’s a behavior that can arise from various drives but isn’t the specific energy term.