0390435333.pdf

Feist−Feist: Theories of

Personality, Seventh

Edition

II. Psychodynamic

Theories

6. Horney: Psychoanalytic
   Social Theory

(^180) © The McGraw−Hill
Companies, 2009
174 Part II Psychodynamic Theories
TABLE 6.1
Summary of Horney’s Neurotic Trends
Basic conflict
or source of
neurotic trend
Neurotic needs
Normal analog
The Compliant
Personality
Feelings of
helplessness

1. Affection and
   approval


2. Powerful
   partner


3. Narrow limits
   to life

Friendly, loving

The Detached

Personality

Feelings of

isolation

9. Self-sufficiency
   and
   independence


10. Perfection and
    prestige

Autonomous and

serene

The Aggressive

Personality

Protection against

hostility of

others

4. Power


5. Exploitation


6. Recognition
   and
   unassailability


7. Personal
   admiration


8. Personal
   achievement
   Ability to survive
   in a
   competitive
   society

Neurotic Trends

Toward People Against People Away from People

tolerated only by the self-deceptive belief that they are perfect and therefore beyond

criticism. They dread competition, fearing a blow to their illusory feelings of supe-

riority. Instead, they prefer that their hidden greatness be recognized without any ef-

fort on their part (Horney, 1945).

In summary, each of the three neurotic trends has an analogous set of charac-

teristics that describe normal individuals. In addition, each of 10 neurotic needs can

be easily placed within the three neurotic trends. Table 6.1 summarizes the three neu-

rotic trends,the basic conflictsthat give rise to them, the outstanding characteristics

of each, the 10 neurotic needsthat compose them, and the three analogoustraits that

characterize normal people.

Intrapsychic Conflicts

The neurotic trends flow from basic anxiety, which in turn, stems from a child’s re-

lationships with other people. To this point, our emphasis has been on culture and in-

terpersonal conflict. However, Horney did not neglect the impact of intrapsychic fac-