The reality principle is a concept in psychoanalysis that refers to the ability of the mind to adjust to the external world and act accordingly, rather than following the pleasure principle, which seeks immediate gratification of impulses. ² The reality principle is considered to be a function of the ego, which develops from the pleasure-seeking id and learns to balance the demands of reality and the id’s desires. ²

A reward system is a set of neural structures that are responsible for motivation, learning, and emotion related to rewarding stimuli. The reward system is activated by natural rewards, such as food, sex, social interaction, and drugs of abuse. The reward system consists of several interconnected brain regions, such as the ventral tegmental area, the nucleus accumbens, the prefrontal cortex, and the amygdala.

The relationship between the reality principle and the reward system is not very clear, but some researchers have suggested that the reality principle may modulate the reward system by inhibiting or enhancing its activity depending on the situation. For example, when a person is faced with a delayed or uncertain reward, the reality principle may reduce the activity of the reward system to prevent frustration or impulsivity. On the other hand, when a person is faced with a certain and immediate reward, the reality principle may increase the activity of the reward system to facilitate goal-directed behavior.

: [Reward system – Wikipedia]
: [Reality Principle Modulates Activity and Functional Connectivity of Different Medial Prefrontal Cortical Subregions during Inhibition of Return]

ソース: Bing との会話 2023/9/18
(1) Reality principle – Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reality_principle.
(2) [精神分析理論の現実吟味能力(reality-testing)と現実原則(reality …. http://digitalword.seesaa.net/article/47189763.html.
(3) 三現主義 | 用語解説 | 野村総合研究所(NRI). https://www.nri.com/jp/knowledge/glossary/lst/sa/3rp.