Karen Horney's Psychoanalytic Theories

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

Which technique is utilized in Horneyian therapy to promote self-realization?

Electroconvulsive therapy

Psychoanalysis

Dream interpretation (correct)

Group therapy

What is a key characteristic of neurotic claims?

A belief in being unworthy of love

Expressing a desire for glory and special treatment (correct)

A complete rejection of self-torment

A focus on the differences between men and women

What is a common expression of self-hatred in neurotic individuals?

Oversocialization

Idealized self-image

Self-destructive actions (correct)

Idealizing others

What does relinquishing the idealized self-image aim to achieve in psychotherapy?

Acceptance of the real self Signup and view all the answers

According to Horney, what aspect is emphasized more in her concept of humanity?

Social influences over individual differences Signup and view all the answers

What does neurotic pride primarily stem from?

An idealized self-image Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following reflects a neurotic need for self-sufficiency?

Refusing to commit to relationships Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect is NOT part of the real self's conflict with the idealized self-image?

The acceptance of personal imperfections Signup and view all the answers

What is a key consequence of the neurotic search for glory?

Neglect of realistic aspirations Signup and view all the answers

Which expression of self-hatred involves belittling or doubting oneself?

Self-contempt Signup and view all the answers

In the context of intrapsychic conflicts, what is the impact of the gap between the idealized self and the real self?

Heightened self-hatred Signup and view all the answers

Which neurotic trend includes the behavior of being compliant with others?

Moving Towards People Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a destructive element associated with self-hatred?

Drive toward vindictive triumph Signup and view all the answers

What does Karen Horney believe is a fundamental driver of feelings of isolation in modern culture?

Competition Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes Basic Anxiety as defined by Horney?

A feeling of being isolated and helpless in a hostile world Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the four general defenses against Basic Anxiety according to Horney?

Affection Signup and view all the answers

Which concept best aligns with Horney's criticism of Freud's ideas about feminine psychology?

Cultural influences Signup and view all the answers

Karen Horney's view on 'idealized self-image' suggests it develops due to what condition?

Feeling abandoned by parents Signup and view all the answers

What term refers to Horney's assertion that neurotic needs may manifest as exaggerated desires for affection or acceptance?

Neurotic Needs Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best represents Horney’s idea of compulsive drives?

They mask deeper anxieties and conflicts. Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between neurotic pride and self-hatred in Horney's theory?

Neurotic pride exacerbates feelings of self-hatred. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Introduction

Karen Horney was a psychoanalyst who disagreed with Sigmund Freud's theories of psychoanalysis, especially his ideas on feminine psychology.
This research looks into her theories on the neurotic needs humans have and how they can be grouped into three categories: moving towards people, moving against people, and moving away from people.
It further dives into Horney's theories about neurotic pride and self-hatred.

Key Concepts

Idealized Self-image: A distorted positive self-image that is not based on reality, but on a desire to be perfect.
Neurotic Search for Glory: This search includes three elements: the need for perfection, neurotic ambition and the drive for vindictive triumph.
Neurotic Claims: People with this need believe they're exceptional and deserve special treatment.
Neurotic Pride: A false pride based on an idealized self-image, often loudly proclaimed to protect and support a glorified view of oneself.
Self-Hatred: This stems from the gap between the idealized self and the real self. People with this tend to make unrelenting demands on themselves, criticize themselves mercilessly, and engage in self-destructive behaviors.
Basic Anxiety: A feeling of helplessness and isolation in a potentially hostile world, often stemming from early childhood experiences of unmet needs for safety.
Basic Hostility: A feeling of anger and resentment towards the world, which can arise when basic needs for safety and satisfaction are not met.
Defenses Against Basic Anxiety: We use four main defense mechanisms: affection, submissiveness, striving for power, and withdrawal.
Compulsive Drives: These drives are a result of basic anxiety. They are motivated by a desire to feel safe and secure, often causing people to seek love and affection to solve their problems.

Horney's Personal Life

Horney was deeply affected by her childhood, especially her relationship with her father.
She was one of the first women to pursue medicine in Germany, entering the University of Freiburg in 1906.

Feminine Psychology

Horney rejected Freud's ideas about feminine psychology, arguing that psychic differences between men and women are not rooted in anatomy.
She said there's no reason why women should be envious of the penis, just as boys can desire having a baby.
She agreed with Alfred Adler's theory of "masculine protest" in women.

Psychotherapy and Horney's Legacy

Horney emphasizes the importance of cultural influences in psychodynamic theory, arguing that modern society's competitive nature fuels basic anxiety, leading to a need for affection and potential over-valuation of love.
Her therapy aims to help patients realize their self-hatred and help them accept their true selves.
Her legacy lies in moving psychoanalysis away from instinct theory towards a focus on social influences and cultural factors, which contributes to a more nuanced understanding of human behavior.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

Explore the theories of Karen Horney, focusing on her critique of Freud and the classification of neurotic needs. The quiz covers key concepts such as idealized self-image, neurotic pride, and the neurotic search for glory. Test your understanding of how these concepts shape human behavior and psychology.