Paper Summary:

This paper provides a brief biography of Karen Horney and then discusses the significant contributions that she made to humanism, self-psychology, psychoanalysis, and feminine psychology. The writer explains some of her theories regarding neurosis and relationships and her refutation of Freud's theory of penis envy. The paper concludes that although she died before the feminist movement, her views on feminine psychology helped promote gender equality.

Outline:
Background
Theoretical Perspective
Contributions to the Field of Psychology
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"Perhaps one of the most prominent theories to this day is her theory of neurosis. Horney viewed these neuroses as a sort of coping mechanism that is a large part of normal life. She identified ten neuroses, including the need for power, the need for social prestige, the need for affection, and the need for independence. She argued that individuals cope with the anxiety produced by feeling unsafe, unloved, and unvalued by disowning their real feelings and developing elaborate strategies of defense. (Horney, 1942) Karen Horney also followed much of Freud's theory, though she disagreed with his views on female psychology."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Horney, K. (1942). The collected works of Karen Horney (volume II). New York: W.W. Norton Company. Retrieved September 5, 2009 from http://www.webster.edu/~woolflm/horney.html
• Wagner, K. V. (2009). Karen Horney Biography. About.com: Psychology. Retrieved September 4, 2009 from http://psychology.about.com/od/profilesofmajorthinkers/p/bio_karenhorney.htm

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