Psychology – Theories of Personality
Study Guide
Western Mindanao State University
I. Overview of Horney’s Psychoanalytic Social Theory
Karen Horney’s psychoanalytic social theory assumes that social and cultural conditions,
especially during childhood, have a powerful effect on later personality. Like Melanie Klein,
Horney accepted many of Freud’s observations, but she objected to most of his interpretations,
including his notions on feminine psychology.
II. Biography of Karen Horney
Karen Horney, who was born in Germany in 1885, was one of the first women in the country
admitted to medical school. There, she became acquainted with Freudian theory and eventually
became a psychoanalyst and a psychiatrist. In her mind-40s, Hornet left Germany to settle in the
United States, first in Chicago and then in New York. She soon abandoned orthodox
psychoanalysis in favor of a more socially oriented theory-one that had a more positive view of
feminine development. She died in 1952 at age 67.
III.Introduction to Psychoanalytic Social Theory
Although Horney’s writings deal mostly with neuroses and neurotic personalities, her theories
also appropriate suggest much that is appropriate to normal development. She agreed with
Freud that early childhood traumas are important, but she placed far more emphasis on social
factors.
A. Horney and Freud Compared
Horney criticized Freudian theory on at least three accounts:
(1) its rigidity toward new ideas, (2) its skewed view of feminine psychology, and (3) its
overemphasis on biology and the pleasure principle.
B. The Impact of Culture
Horney insisted that modern culture is too competitive and that competition leads to hostility
and feelings of isolation. These conditions lead to exaggerated needs for affection and cause
people to overvalue love.
C. The Importance of Childhood Experiences
Neurotic conflict stems largely from childhood traumas, most of which are traced to lack of
genuine love. Children who do not receive genuine affection feel threatened and adopt rigid
behavioral patterns in an attempt to gain love.
IV. Basic Hostility and Basic Anxiety
All children need feelings of safety and security, but these can be gained only by love from
parents. Unfortunately, parents often neglect, dominate, reject or overindulge their children,
conditions that lead to the child’s feelings of basic hostility toward parents. If children repress
feelings of basic hostility, they will develop feelings of insecurity and a pervasive sense of
apprehension called basic anxiety.
Study Guide
Western Mindanao State University
I. Overview of Horney’s Psychoanalytic Social Theory
Karen Horney’s psychoanalytic social theory assumes that social and cultural conditions,
especially during childhood, have a powerful effect on later personality. Like Melanie Klein,
Horney accepted many of Freud’s observations, but she objected to most of his interpretations,
including his notions on feminine psychology.
II. Biography of Karen Horney
Karen Horney, who was born in Germany in 1885, was one of the first women in the country
admitted to medical school. There, she became acquainted with Freudian theory and eventually
became a psychoanalyst and a psychiatrist. In her mind-40s, Hornet left Germany to settle in the
United States, first in Chicago and then in New York. She soon abandoned orthodox
psychoanalysis in favor of a more socially oriented theory-one that had a more positive view of
feminine development. She died in 1952 at age 67.
III.Introduction to Psychoanalytic Social Theory
Although Horney’s writings deal mostly with neuroses and neurotic personalities, her theories
also appropriate suggest much that is appropriate to normal development. She agreed with
Freud that early childhood traumas are important, but she placed far more emphasis on social
factors.
A. Horney and Freud Compared
Horney criticized Freudian theory on at least three accounts:
(1) its rigidity toward new ideas, (2) its skewed view of feminine psychology, and (3) its
overemphasis on biology and the pleasure principle.
B. The Impact of Culture
Horney insisted that modern culture is too competitive and that competition leads to hostility
and feelings of isolation. These conditions lead to exaggerated needs for affection and cause
people to overvalue love.
C. The Importance of Childhood Experiences
Neurotic conflict stems largely from childhood traumas, most of which are traced to lack of
genuine love. Children who do not receive genuine affection feel threatened and adopt rigid
behavioral patterns in an attempt to gain love.
IV. Basic Hostility and Basic Anxiety
All children need feelings of safety and security, but these can be gained only by love from
parents. Unfortunately, parents often neglect, dominate, reject or overindulge their children,
conditions that lead to the child’s feelings of basic hostility toward parents. If children repress
feelings of basic hostility, they will develop feelings of insecurity and a pervasive sense of
apprehension called basic anxiety.
