Just Another Random Spark

Karen Horney’s psychoanalytic ideas are built on the assumption that social and cultural conditions, (especially childhood) are responsible for shaping personality. According to Karen Horney, individuals who do not have their needs met (such as love and affection as a child) resort to basic hostility toward their parents. This neglect later results in the development of basic anxiety. According to Karen Horney’s ideas, she emphasizes three main fundamental styles of combating anxiety. Karen Horney's ideas presumed an individual would adopt one of the three combative mechanisms. Moving toward people, moving against people, or moving away from people. Individuals considered normal may use any of these methods, but neurotics are obligated to rely stringently on one. Neurotics assume compulsive behavior that generates intrapsychic conflict that may take the form of either an idealized self-image or self-hatred. The idealized self-image is conveyed as neurotic search for glory, neurotic claims, or neurotic pride. Self-hatred is expressed as either self-contempt or alienation from self. Karen Horney stated that neuroses was not the result of instincts but rather an individual's attempt to find paths through a wilderness full of unknown dangers. The wilderness is created by society and not by instincts or anatomy. The primary basis for both neurotic and normal personality development were cultural influences. Karen Horney did not overlook the importance of genetic factors. Karen Horney contended; modern culture is based on competition among individuals. “Everyone is a real or potential competitor of everyone else.” (Horney 1937 pg. 284)
According to Karen Horney neurotics may submit themselves to either people or institutions, such as an organization or religion. Neurotics usually submit to these organizations to receive affection, according to Karen Horney’s ideas. Neurotics may also try to protect themselves by striving for power, prestige, or possession.
Karen Horney’s 10 Neurotic Needs are self-explanatory.
The neurotic need for affection and approval
The neurotic need for a powerful partner
The neurotic need to restrict one's life within narrow borders.
The neurotic need for power
The neurotic need to exploit others
The neurotic need for social recognition or prestige.
The neurotic need for personal admiration.
The neurotic need for ambition and personal achievement.
The neurotic need for self-sufficiency and independence.
The neurotic need for perfection and unassailability.
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