PSY103 – Theories of Personality

Born on September 16, 1885, Germany

Youngest, only daughter, of a Ship Captain and his second wife.

Victorian upbringing - religionRomantic tendencies towards an

older brother.Became a teacher for 3 years to save

for medical school.Triggered by misogynist articles

Married a successful lawyer, Oskar Horney.

Produced 3 daughters.Death of family members1913 – Interest in PsychoanalysisVisits to Karl Abraham, disciple of

Freud1926 – divorce from Husband,

transfer to the US. 1952 – Died in her sleep

Social and cultural conditions, especially childhood experiences, are largely responsible for shaping personality.

People whose need for love and affection satisfied develop basic hostility towards their parents and eventually, basic anxiety.

Moving Toward PeopleMoving Against PeopleMoving Away from

People

Normal individuals do this but neurotics tend to rigidly on one.

1. Emphasis on culture in shaping personality.

2. Importance of Childhood experiences.3. Neuroses is a result of man’s attempts

to find the paths through a wilderness of unknown dangers.

When safety and satisfaction is not felt by the child.

Refusal of parents to love their children.

Interwoven with Basic Hostility

Affection Purchasing love

Submissiveness compliance

Power Prestige, possession

Withdrawal Emotional detachment

1. Need for affection and approval

2. Need for a powerful partner

3. Need to restrict one’s life within narrow borders.

4. NEED FOR POWER5. NEED TO EXPLOIT OTHERS

6. NEED FOR PRESTIGE 7. NEED FOR ADMIRATION

8. NEED FOR AMBITION 9. NEED FOR INDEPENDENCE

9. NEED FOR PERFECTION

NORMAL DEFENSES

Spontaneous Movement Toward People▪ Friendly & loving

Against People▪ Survivor in a

competitive society Away from People▪ Autonomous, serene

NEUROTIC DEFENSES

Compulsive Movement Toward People▪ compliant

Against People▪ aggressive

Away from People▪ detached

Idealized Self- Image

Self- Hatred

Search for Glory

Neurotic Claims

Neurotic Pride

Relentless demands on one selfMerciless self- accusationSelf- contemptSelf- frustrationSelf- tormentSelf- destruction

Cultural and social expectationsWomen envyMasculine Protest (Adler)

Free AssociationDream Analysis

Goal: facilitate behavior towards self- realization.