Theory of Neurosis from Karen Horney - 1721 Words

The following is an essay is based on the theory of neurosis from Karen Horney, and applied to the lead character of the movie Precious. Precious, the movie is based on the life and times of a character, Clarisse Precious Jones, who was raised in Harlem in the late 1980’s. She was raped by her father from an early age, which is revealed closer to the end of the movie, and ends up having two children from him; one of which is a â€Å"mongoloid†. Her relationship with her mother is also on rocky round and her school isn’t accepting of who she is. As the movie progresses we see that Clarisse prefers to be called by her second name, Precious, as the movie is titled. The term personality refers to the characteristics that one is made up of, the influences over time, and overall reactions that occur through different stimuli. It has been defined by different people as the theatrical mask we put on, the social dimension of the individual and the reference to who one really is. Scientifically it has been defined as the study of those things that make us individuals, or a pattern of relatively stable traits. Theorists such as Carl Rogers and Sigmund Freud, amongst others, focused on different aspects of what personality is and what it is made up of. Karen Horney’s theory of personality focuses around neurosis, which develops over time and is influenced by other factors in a person’s life. Neurosis is defined as â€Å"a relatively mild mental illness that is not caused by organic disease,Show MoreRelatedHorney1624 Words   |  7 Pagesincluding the works of Karen Horney (1885–1952). She was a psychoanalyst best known for her wo rk on neurosis and coping techniques. Horney was a leading figure in the development of a range of non-orthodox psychoanalytic approaches in mid-twentieth-century America. Often compared to orthodox Freudians, she emphasized interpersonal relations and minimized the role ascribed to biology. Horney was particularly critical of Freuds approach to women (Horney 1942). Biography Karen Horney was born in BlankenseeRead MoreAbstract. As A Young Girl In Her Adolescent, Horney Karen1382 Words   |  6 PagesAbstract As a young girl in her adolescent, Horney Karen was raised under harsh conditions as written in her diaries, her parents as she describes them as a cruel disciplinary figure held Karen s brother higher than her, this made her feel less loved and became rebellious at an early age. Lack of parental love. This could have led Karen to study more about the theory of personality, this paper, therefore, looks at Horney’s theory of personality and how one s life at a younger age affect theirRead MoreA Brief Look at Psychoanalysis788 Words   |  3 Pageschallenge, strife, and divisions, but is seen regaining vitality and dignity through multiple theories which play an important role in social psychoanalysis by trying to apply the methods of individual psychoanalysis and knowledge to a complex of social neurosis. The most important representatives of this theory: are Herbert Marcuse, Harry Sullivan, Erich Fromm, and the great American psychologists Karen Horney, who brings a great con tribution to psychology by initiating and animating the social psychoanalysisRead MoreEssay on Karen Horney V. Alfred Adler1608 Words   |  7 PagesKaren Horney and Alfred Adler are two very similar yet different neo-analytic theorists. At first glance, it may appear that Horney stole some of Adlers best ideas. It is, of course, quite conceivable that she was influenced by Adler. It is clear, for example, that Horney’s three neurotic solutions are very close to Adlers personality typology. Horney proposed a series of strategies used by neurotics to cope with other people and Adler developed a scheme of so called personality types that he intendedRead MoreWho Is The Recognized Leader Of A Significant Development?1372 Words   |  6 Pagesinteresting to note that the basis for his theory of constructive alternativism questions the reality of the self in a manner similar to Eastern/Buddhist concepts of consciousness and self. Carl Jung was dramatically influenced by the ancie nt Vedic traditions of India, and Carl Rogers, the founder of humanistic psychology, was influenced by the spiritual traditions of China. And now we have Kelly, whose theory represents the culmination of behavioral-cognitive theories, sharing a fundamental similarity withRead MoreKaren Horney1746 Words   |  7 PagesKaren Horney is one of the preeminent figures and founders of modern psychoanalysis. Although her ideas are not widely taught today or accepted as a basis of psychoanalysis in and of themselves, her ideas of social and environmental influences are â€Å"integrated into modern psychoanalysis therapies and personality development theory† (Quinn). She was a contemporary of Sigmund Freud and was one of his early followers. Yet Horney joined the class of neo-Freudians after her research and writing ledRead MoreFeminist Theory Of Neurotic Need, And Neo Freudian Psychology894 Words   |  4 PagesKaren Horney is best known for her findings of feminine psychology, t heory of neurotic need, and neo-freudian psychology. What attracted me most to Karen Horney was the relation I shared with her suffering from depression growing up. It was her findings about life and her outlook of recovering from depression that attracted her to me. She discusses the importance of everyone’s role in their own life on their mental health. Therefore, I appreciate her studies as I have been able to apply them to myRead Morekaren horney2082 Words   |  9 Pagesa path that is shown†. Karen Horney Personal life:- Karen Horney was born on September 16, 1885 (as Karen Danielson) in a village near Hamburg, Germany. She felt devoid of love from her parents. Her father preferred her brother Berndt over her. She was envious of her brother because of beauty and attention as a boy. She was smarter but she didn’t get attention by any means. This led to Horney s depression which would affect the rest of her life. In 1906, Horney entered medical schoolRead MoreNeo-Freudian Psychologists: Karen Horney1878 Words   |  8 Pagesby Freud in their theories. These psychologists studied Freud’s theories in depth and later came to somewhat reject his views. They adapted portions of his theories, but changed certain aspects of his views to make it fit their personal beliefs and studies. Karen Horney was one of the more popularized Neo-Freudians of her time and still remains as one of the most famous ones in history. Her theories questioned some traditional Freudian views. This fact was very true of her theories of sexuality andRead MoreKaren Horney : Pioneer Of Feminine Psychology By Susan Tyler Hitchcock3647 Words   |  15 PagesHudson Psychology 2301/ Prof. R. Saenz 05/16/2015 Book Report I. Title/Author Karen Horney: Pioneer of Feminine Psychology by Susan Tyler Hitchcock II. Main Characters Karen Horney III. Setting/Time 1885-1952 The Life Span of Karen Horney IV. Main Theme The life and accomplishments of Karen Horney. V. Summary Karen Clementina Theodora Danielsen, was born in Germany on September 16, 1885. Born into a family of