At what age does the superego typically develop?

The development of the superego is generally associated with the early stages of a child's psychological growth, particularly during the period when they start to internalize societal norms, values, and morals. This process typically begins around the ages of 2 to 3 years. At this stage, children start to understand and incorporate the expectations of their parents and society, which shapes their sense of right and wrong.

This internalization is critical as children begin to navigate the complexities of social interactions and moral judgments. The superego serves as the ethical component of the personality, acting as a moral guide. As such, the timeline of 2 to 3 years aligns with developmental theories that suggest this is when children begin identifying with parental figures and imitating accepted behaviors, thereby helping to form the superego's structure.

The others suggested do not align with the typical developmental timeline of the superego. The age of 1-2 years is primarily when children develop the id, focusing on their basic instincts and desires, while ages 4-5 years and birth are too late and too early, respectively, for the superego's significant development to occur.