What characterizes high ego strength?

• A. You avoid problems and are overwhelmed by reality
• B. You overcome problems and adapt well
• C. You frequently engage in reckless behavior
• D. You have a strong sense of personal efficacy

Answer: (B)

High ego strength means you can face anxiety and stress without becoming overwhelmed, using adaptive, reality-based strategies to cope and stay functioning. This shows up as overcoming problems and adapting well to changing circumstances, which is why that option best reflects high ego strength.

In contrast, avoiding problems and feeling overwhelmed signals poor reality testing and weak ego functioning. Reckless behavior points to impulsivity and poor control of competing drives. A strong sense of personal efficacy—the belief in your ability to achieve goals—helps coping but isn’t the same thing as ego strength, which centers on how well you integrate your inner drives with reality and manage stress over time.