Karen Horney
Definition
Karen Horney was a German psychoanalyst who postulated that social and cultural conditions, particularly childhood experiences, have a powerful effect on later personality. She is also known for her theories on neurosis and feminine psychology.
Related terms
Neurosis: A term popularized by Horney referring to mental disorders characterized by anxiety and/or obsessive thoughts but without any break from reality.
Basic Anxiety: According to Horney, this is the anxiety which occurs due to various interpersonal relationships; it's the feeling of being isolated and helpless in a potentially hostile world.
Feminine Psychology: This is Horney's counter-theory to Freud's concept of penis envy. She proposed womb envy, suggesting that men experience feelings of inferiority because they cannot give birth.
"Karen Horney" appears in:
Study guides (2)
AP Psychology - 7.5 Introduction to Personality
AP Psychology - 7.6 Psychoanalytic Theories of Personality
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Cram Mode
AP Score Calculators
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AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.