Karen Horney: Theory of the self

Through her views on the individual psyche, Horney postulated that the self is in fact the core of one’s own being and potential.[7] Horney believed that if one has an accurate conception of oneself, then one is free to realize one’s potential and achieve what one wishes, within reasonable boundaries. Thus, she believed that self-actualization is the healthy person’s aim through life — as opposed to the neurotic’s clinging to a set of key needs.

Karen Horney: Neo-Freudianism

While Horney acknowledged and agreed with Freud on many issues, she was also critical of him on several key beliefs. Freud’s notion of “penis envy” in particular was subject to criticism by Horney.[6] She thought Freud had merely stumbled upon women’s jealousy of men’s generic power in the world. Horney accepted that penis envy might occur occasionally in neurotic women, but stated that “womb envy” occurs just as much in men: Horney felt that men were envious of a woman’s ability to bear children. The degree to which men are driven to success may be merely a substitute for the fact that they cannot carry, nurture and bear children.

Karen Horney: Theory of neurosis

Horney looked at neurosis in a different light from other psychoanalysts of the time.[1] Her expansive interest in the subject led her to compile a detailed theory of neurosis, with data from her patients. Horney believed neurosis to be a continuous process — with neuroses commonly occurring sporadically in one’s lifetime. This was in contrast to the opinions of her contemporaries who believed neurosis was, like more severe mental conditions, a negative malfunction of the mind in response to external stimuli, such as bereavement, divorce or negative experiences during childhood and adolescence.

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