Our Inner Conflicts - A Constructive Theory of Neurosis #865094

In Our Inner Conflicts: A Constructive Theory of Neurosis, Karen Horney delves into the psychological conflicts that underlie neurotic behavior. Building on her critical reassessment of Freudian theories, Horney presents an innovative perspective that emphasizes the role of cultural and social factors alongside internal psychic dynamics. The book outlines three main neurotic orientations people adopt to cope with anxiety: moving toward others (compliance and dependence), moving against others (aggression and dominance), and moving away from others (isolation and self-sufficiency). These orientations reflect attempts to resolve inner conflicts between competing desires for connection, power, and autonomy, but they often exacerbate inner distress. Horney highlights the core of neurotic behavior as rooted in an unrealistic idealized image of the self, which individuals strive to fulfill, frequently at the expense of their true self. She argues that recognizing and addressing these internal dynamics can lead to greater authenticity and psychological well-being. Our Inner Conflicts remains a cornerstone of psychological literature, celebrated for its clarity and its humanistic, practical approach to understanding and treating neurosis.