•Karen Horney was a German psychoanalyst who lived from
1885 to 1952.
•She made significant contributions to the field of psychology
and is known for her work in psychoanalysis and
psychotherapy.
•Karen Horney made important contributions to the field of
personality psychology through her development of
psychoanalytic theories that challenged and expanded upon
some of Sigmund Freud's ideas.
•Karen Horney's work in the field of personality psychology:
•Neurotic Needs: Horney introduced the concept of "neurotic needs," which
are coping strategies individuals develop to deal with the anxieties and
insecurities of life. She identified ten neurotic needs, such as the need for
affection and approval, the need for power, and the need for prestige.
These needs could shape an individual's personality and behavior.
•Basic Anxiety: Horney proposed that a person's early experiences,
particularly in their relationships with caregivers, could lead to the
development of "basic anxiety." Basic anxiety is a feeling of helplessness
and insecurity that stems from a lack of love and security in childhood. She
believed that this basic anxiety played a central role in shaping personality.
•Coping Mechanisms: Horney described several coping mechanisms that
individuals use to manage their basic anxiety and fulfill their neurotic needs.
These mechanisms include moving toward people (compliance and
seeking affection), moving against people (dominance and aggression),
and moving away from people (detachment and isolation).
•Feminine Psychology: Horney criticized Freud's views on female
psychology, particularly his concept of "penis envy." She argued that
women's psychological development was influenced more by societal and
cultural factors than by biological differences. She proposed her own theory
of feminine psychology, emphasizing the impact of societal expectations
and the desire for autonomy in women's lives.
. •Self-Analysis and Self-Help: She believed in the importance of self-
awareness and self-analysis for personal growth and psychological well-
being. She encouraged individuals to explore their own neurotic needs and
coping mechanisms in order to work toward healthier, more fulfilling lives.
•The Real Self vs. The Ideal Self: Horney introduced the idea that a person's
"real self" is their true, innate personality, while the "ideal self" is an image of
who they think they should be based on societal and cultural expectations.
The tension between the real and ideal selves can contribute to neurosis.
•Social and Cultural Influences: She believed that societal norms and
expectations, as well as a person's early family environment, significantly
influenced an individual's development.
Three Neurotic Personality Types:
•Compliant Personality: Individuals with this personality type tend to move
toward people. They seek approval and reassurance, often becoming
dependent on others for a sense of security.
•Aggressive Personality: Those with an aggressive personality move
against people. They are competitive, assertive, and may display
domineering or hostile behavior to cope with their anxiety.
•Detached Personality: The detached personality type moves away from
people. These individuals seek self-sufficiency and independence, often
withdrawing from close emotional connections.
Karen Horney's theories on personality have both praise and criticism.
Critiques:
•Lack of Empirical Evidence: ideas are more conceptual than scientifically tested.
•Ambiguity of Basic Anxiety
•Limited Focus on Biological Factors: emphasis on social and cultural factors
sometimes led to a neglect of biological and genetic influences on personality.
•Societal Changes: Some argue that Horney's theories may not fully account for
the rapid societal changes that have occurred since her time. Contemporary
culture and gender roles have evolved, which may require a re-evaluation of her
ideas.
Relevance:
•Emphasis on Social and Cultural Factors: Many contemporary theories recognize
the importance of these factors in understanding human behavior.
•Holistic Approach: considers the person in the context of their social environment,
aligns with modern approaches that stress the importance of a person’s broader
life experiences.
•Focus on Coping Mechanisms: influenced contemporary theories of personality
and psychotherapy. Understanding how individuals cope with anxiety remains
essential in clinical psychology
•Integration with Other Theories: Horney's ideas have been integrated into more
comprehensive theories of personality, allowing for a broader understanding of
individual differences.