6. Horney: Psychoanalytic Social Theory; Erikson: Post-Freudian Theory

Karen Horney

was a prominent psychoanalyst who developed her own psychoanalytic social theory

Horneyan Theory

Karen Horney was a prominent psychoanalyst who developed her own psychoanalytic social theory, often referred to as __

Karen Horney

was a contemporary of Sigmund Freud, and her work developed in response to Freud's theories of psychoanalysis.**

Horney believed that Freud's emphasis on the unconscious mind and sexuality as the primary driving forces of human behavior was overly deterministic and had limitations.**

Horney’s view on Freud’s theory

strict authoritarian father, affecting her self-worth

Karen Horney struggled from her relationship with her father

depression

condition Horney suffered which led her to focus on inner conflicts and personal growth in her theories

Oscar Horney - had a challenging relationship

husband of Karen Horney

womb envy

an idea Horney introduced in opposition of Freud’s penis envy theory

womb envy

envy that men may feel of the biological functions of the female (pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding)

Basic Anxiety

individuals experience a fundamental anxiety due to feelings of helplessness and insecurity.

Basic Anxiety

a result of inadequate nurturing and a lack of genuine love and support during childhood.

• Moving towards people (compliance)

• Moving against people (aggression)

• Moving away from people (detachment)

Three Coping Strategies (Horneyan)

Moving Towards People (Compliance)

Some individuals cope with basic anxiety by seeking affection, approval, and comfort from others.

Moving Towards People (Compliance)

A coping strategy where a person adopts a compliant and dependent attitude, striving to be liked and accepted.

Moving Against People (Aggression)

Others cope by becoming aggressive, domineering, and competitive.

Moving Against People (Aggression)

A coping strategy where an individual may develop a hostile attitude towards others and strive for power and control.

Moving Away from People (Detachment)

Some individuals cope by withdrawing from social relationships and maintaining emotional distance.

Moving Away from People (Detachment)

Some individuals’ coping strategy may become emotionally distant and self-sufficient, avoiding emotional attachments.**

neurotic needs

unrealistic and unhealthy needs that individuals develop as a result of their coping strategies, representing maladaptive attempts to alleviate basic anxiety.

The need for affection and approval

People with this need seek constant love, affection, and approval from others.

The need for affection and approval

People with this need may be preoccupied with being liked and accepted, often at the expense of their own needs and desires.

The need for a partner who will take over

Individuals with this need desire someone strong and capable to take control of their lives.

The need for a partner who will take over

People with this need may be overly dependent on others for decision-making and problem-solving.

The need for restriction

Some people have a strong need for rules, structure, and order in their lives.

The need for restriction

People with this need feel anxious when situations are uncertain or chaotic, and they may become perfectionistic and rigid.

The need for power

Those with this need strive to have power and control over others.

The need for power

People with this need can be domineering and competitive, often to mask their own feelings of inadequacy.**

The need to exploit others

These individuals use others for their gain, without regard for the well-being of others. They may be manipulative and lack empathy.

The need for social recognition

People with this need seek constant attention and admiration from others.

The need for social recognition

People with this need may be preoccupied with status, fame, and public recognition.

The need for personal admiration

People with this need often feel insecure without constant praise and admiration.

The need for personal achievement

Some individuals are driven by __ and success, often to prove their worth to themselves and others.

The need for self-sufficiency and independence

Those with this need avoid relying on others and aim to be self-sufficient in all aspects of life.

The need for self-sufficiency and independence

People with this need may have difficulty asking for help or forming close relationships.

The need for perfection and unassailability

People with this need aim for perfection in themselves and in their environment.

The need for perfection and unassailability

People with this need may be extremely critical of themselves and others, and they become anxious when they or their surroundings are not flawless.

idealized self

Horney argued that this is created by individuals to compensate for their feelings of inadequacy and to protect themselves from basic anxiety.

idealized self

a false image of perfection that an individual aspires to but can never truly attain. It serves as a defense mechanism to shield against feelings of worthlessness.

by including social and cultural factors as crucial influences on personality development.

How did Horney's theory expand the scope of psychoanalysis

Erik Erikson

is known for his influential contributions to the field of developmental psychology.

• Erikson never knew his biological father and felt that he’s an outsider

• He comes from a mix of Jewish and non-Jewish heritage

• Never earned a traditional degree

What was Erik Erikson’s identity struggle?

Erik Erikson

His Post-Freudian theory of psychosocial development represents a significant departure from Sigmund Freud's psychosexual theory.

Erikson's theory

developed during the mid-20th century, focuses on the idea that human development is a lifelong process marked by a series of psychosocial stages, each presenting unique challenges and crises that individuals must resolve.

psychosocial crisis

Erikson's theory consists of eight psychosocial stages, each characterized by a particular __

Trust vs. Mistrust (Infancy, 0-1 years)

In this stage, infants develop a sense of trust or mistrust based on the consistency of their caregivers.

Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt (Toddlerhood, 1-3 years):

Children begin to explore their independence and assert themselves.

a.) self-confidence; b.) shame and doubt

Encouragement for children’s autonomy fosters , a.) __ while excessive criticism can lead to feelings of b.) __.

Initiative vs. Guilt (Preschool, 3-6 years)

Children become more curious and take on roles and responsibilities.

a.) initiative; b.) guilt

Positive experiences empower them to develop a sense of a.)___, while too much b.)___ can inhibit their self-esteem.

Industry vs. Inferiority (School Age, 6-12 years)

During this stage, children engage in productive activities and develop a sense of competence or inferiority based on their accomplishments and experiences.

Identity vs. Role Confusion (Adolescence, 12-18 years):

Adolescents seek to establish their identities and form a clear sense of self.

Identity vs. Role Confusion (Adolescence, 12-18 years):

Successfully navigating this stage leads to a strong, coherent identity, whereas confusion can result in an ongoing identity crisis.**

Intimacy vs. Isolation (Young Adulthood, 18-40 years)

Young adults strive to form meaningful, intimate relationships. Failure to do so may lead to isolation and loneliness.

Generativity vs. Stagnation (Middle Adulthood, 40-65 years)

Adults in this stage focus on contributing to the welfare of society, whether through raising children, work, or other activities.

Ego Integrity vs. Despair (Late Adulthood, 65+years)

In the final stage, individuals reflect on their lives and come to terms with the choices they've made.