Karen Horney's Psychoanalytic Theory

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Questions and Answers

What is one of the main goals of Karen Horney's psychoanalytic social theory?

To analyze cognitive behavioral methods in therapy

To explore the biological basis of personality development

To explain the impact of social influences on personality development (correct)

To investigate dream analysis in personal growth

Which of the following concepts is NOT associated with Horney's theory?

Psychosexual stages (correct)

Basic anxiety

Self-hatred

Basic hostility

What does Horney’s concept of 'idealized self-image' refer to?

A self-image based solely on cultural standards

An accurate self-assessment of personal abilities

The positive perception of oneself based on reality

A distorted image of oneself that one strives to achieve (correct)

What role does Karen Horney attribute to culture in personality development?

It is the primary factor influencing both neurotic and normal development Signup and view all the answers

Which statement is consistent with Horney's views on relationships?

Close relationships are crucial for healthy development Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the significant events in Horney's personal life that shaped her theories?

Her experience of being favored less than her sibling Signup and view all the answers

What is a key theme in Horney's discussion of neurotic needs?

They must be examined and reflected upon for personal growth Signup and view all the answers

What does Horney mean by 'modern culture being based on competition'?

It creates an environment where individuals view others as competitors Signup and view all the answers

What factor is most decisive in determining personality growth according to Horney?

Social relationship between the child and the parents Signup and view all the answers

What are the two primary needs in childhood identified in the content?

Need for satisfaction and need for safety Signup and view all the answers

What can lead to feelings of basic anxiety in a child?

Parental behavior that frustrates the need for safety Signup and view all the answers

According to the content, repressed hostility can lead to what feeling in the child?

Basic anxiety Signup and view all the answers

How do neurotics generally protect themselves against feelings of isolation?

Engaging in neurotic defenses Signup and view all the answers

Which parental behaviors may frustrate a child's need for safety?

Erratic behavior Signup and view all the answers

What is suggested to happen if a child's need for satisfaction is not met?

The child may develop basic hostility Signup and view all the answers

What feeling does basic anxiety represent according to the content?

A feeling of isolation and helplessness Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of neurotic needs compared to normal needs?

Neurotic needs cause greater anxiety when unmet. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT considered a neurotic need?

Need for financial security Signup and view all the answers

How do neurotics tend to view their strategies in relation to their needs?

They are limited to a single trend or strategy. Signup and view all the answers

Which neurotic need relates specifically to social validation?

Need for social recognition or prestige Signup and view all the answers

What differentiates the emotional state of normal individuals from that of neurotics?

Normal people are free to choose their actions. Signup and view all the answers

What is the impact of the 'tyranny of the shoulds' on neurotics?

It often leads to compulsive behaviors. Signup and view all the answers

What can be inferred about the neurotic need for perfection?

It is often linked to feelings of inadequacy. Signup and view all the answers

Which neurotic need could lead to a tendency to dominate others?

Need for power Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes the neurotic need of moving towards people?

Striving for affection and approval Signup and view all the answers

Which neurotic need involves an aggressive approach towards others?

Moving against people Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary expression of the neurotic's need for privacy and independence?

Resigning solution Signup and view all the answers

How do compliant neurotics perceive their idealized self-image?

As good and saintly Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the neurotic's tendency to accuse themselves harshly?

Self-hatred Signup and view all the answers

Feminist psychology argues that the Oedipus complex results from what?

Environmental conditions Signup and view all the answers

What do healthy individuals possess that neurotic individuals lack?

Free choice Signup and view all the answers

In the context of personality development, which aspect do neurotics primarily focus on?

Causal childhood experiences Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Emphasizes the role of social influences in personality development.
Basic hostility and anxiety emerge from unmet childhood needs.
Distinction between idealized self-image and self-hatred, illustrating internal conflicts.
Encourages self-reflection on neurotic needs.

Personal Reflection Questions

Mental check: Importance of pleasing others and seeking validation.
Analyze preferences for routine versus change; impact on relationships.
Explore feelings of recognition, achievements, and emotional connections.

Karen Horney's Background

Youngest child with a contentious relationship with her father, idolized her mother.
Experienced feelings of being unwanted, driven to attain a medical profession.
Authored pivotal works, including "Neurosis and Human Growth" in 1950.

Impact of Culture on Personality

Modern culture fosters competition, influencing personality development.
Key relationships in childhood significantly shape adult personality.
Horney agrees with Freud on childhood's impact but disputes deterministic views based on anatomy.

Basic Hostility and Anxiety

Failure of parents to meet needs leads to basic hostility and anxiety.
Basic anxiety described as a sense of isolation and helplessness in a hostile world.

Neurotic Defenses

People utilize various defensive mechanisms to cope with anxiety:
- Affection: Seek love through compliance or material offering.
- Submissiveness: Yielding to people or institutions for security.
- Power: Striving to dominate others or acquire possessions.
- Withdrawal: Detaching emotionally to protect oneself.

Compulsive Drive

Neurotic defenses can escalate into unhealthy compulsions.
Increased anxiety if neurotic needs remain unmet, leading to unrealistic demands.

Tyranny of the Shoulds

Neurotic individuals often experience unrealistic expectations causing internal conflict.
Discussion prompts for personal identification of these pressures.

Types of Neurotic Needs

Affection and Approval: Seeking validation from others.
Powerful Partner: Relying on a dominant figure to fulfill needs.
Narrow Life Borders: Limiting experiences to reduce anxiety.
Exploitation: Using others for personal gain and self-interest.

Contrasting Normal and Neurotic Behavior

Normal individuals are self-aware and can choose actions; neurotics feel pressured by their needs.
Normal individuals encounter mild conflicts while neurotics face severe, persistent struggles.

Intrapersonal Conflicts

Neurotics grapple with a divided self: idealized self-image versus self-hatred.
Idealized self-image characterized by aspirations for glory, leading to neurotic pride and claims.
Self-hatred manifests as harsh self-criticism, frustration, and destructive impulses.

Feminist Psychology Contributions

Challenges Oedipus complex as stemming from cultural rather than biological factors.
Introduces concepts such as womb envy and masculine protest, exploring gender-based psychological development.

Concept of Humanity

Distinction between free will in healthy individuals and compulsive tendencies in neurotics.
Teleological perspective suggests natural goals of self-realization, while childhood experiences can hinder this growth.
Highlights the role of the unconscious in shaping neurotic behavior, emphasizing its prominence in neurotic individuals.

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Description

Explore Karen Horney's influential psychoanalytic social theory in this quiz. Learn about how social influences shape personality development, the dynamics of basic hostility, and the conflict between idealized self-image and self-hatred. Test your understanding of her key concepts and contributions to psychology.