Horney, Karen Theory of Personality

DefinitionOverview

Karen Horney'sHorney Theory(1885–1952) was a German-American psychoanalyst and one of Personalitythe isfounding afigures psychologicalof frameworkneo-Freudian thatpsychology. Her theory of personality emphasizes the role of social and cultural influencesfactors, particularly early childhood experiences, in shaping personality,individual asbehavior opposedand tomental Freud'sprocesses. focusUnlike Freud, who focused on biological instincts.drives, AccordingHorney highlighted interpersonal dynamics and the search for security as central to Horney,human development.

Key Themes

1. Three Basic Needs: Horney proposed that all individuals are driven byhave three fundamental needs: the need for security,security, the need forto lovemove andtoward belongingness,people (affection), the need to move away from people (independence), and the need forto respectmove or recognition. She proposed thatagainst people develop coping strategies, known as "neurotic trends," to deal with challenges and conflicts in their lives.(recognition). These trends include "moving toward people" (seeking closeness and approval), "moving against people" (assertiveness and competitiveness), and "moving away from people" (independence and withdrawal). Horney believed that a healthy personality balances these needs and strategies, while an unhealthy one becomes rigidly focused on one strategy to the exclusion of others.

   Example

   A person grew up in a home where their parents were emotionally distant. As a result, they developed a strong need for love and belongingness. To cope with feeling neglected, they adopt a "moving toward people" strategy, becoming overly agreeable and eager to please others. This approach helps them form friendships but also leads to feelings of resentment when they feel used or unappreciated. Over time, their rigid focus on seeking approval creates internal conflict, as they struggle to assert their own needs and desires.

   Why It Matters

   Horney's theory is significant because it shifts the focus from internal biological drives to external social influences, providing a more holistic understanding ofinfluence personality development.

By
2. Basic recognizingAnxiety: She introduced the threeconcept fundamentalof needsbasic anxiety, a deep-seated fear of being overwhelmed or isolated, which arises from early childhood experiences of neglect or emotional instability. This anxiety shapes how individuals interact with others and copingperceive strategies,themselves.
individuals
3. Idealized canSelf-Image: betterHorney understand their behaviors and emotional responses. This theory also highlightsemphasized the importance of balancethe inidealized meetingself-image, thesea distorted view of oneself that develops as a defense against basic anxiety. Over time, this can lead to neurotic needs, encouragingsuch personalas growthan andobsessive healthierdesire relationships.for Additionally,love Horney'or power.

Significance

Horney’s work haschallenged practicalFreud’s applicationsemphasis on biological drives and introduced a more socially oriented understanding of personality. Her ideas remain influential in therapy,psychology, helpingparticularly individualsin identifyareas like attachment theory, feminist psychology, and modifythe maladaptive patternsstudy of behaviorinterpersonal relationships. Her focus on cultural and social influences continues to achieveresonate greaterwith psychologicalcontemporary well-being.discussions Herabout insightsmental into human motivation continue to influence modern psychology, emphasizing the interconnectedness of emotional, social,health and culturalpersonal factors in shaping who we are.growth.

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Related:

• Attachment