| 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. |

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