1

Final Evaluation: Personality Theory Critical Analysis Paper

Shaneque Smith/20207924, Daniel Griffiths/20231324, Shanieke Newell/20212345,

Dannielle Brown/20232478, Kevina Brown/20232197, Waine Edwards/20211533, Shante

Clarke/, Devaune Millwood/20211587

Department of Behavioural and Social Sciences, Northern Caribbean University

PSYCH295: Introduction to Theories of Personality

Shaye-Ann Campbell Mosquera

December 11, 2024

FINAL EVALUATION OVERVIEW

Introduction....................................................................................................(3-4)

Description of the Theories................................................................................(4-7)

Analysis of the Theories .................................................................................... (8-11)

Application of the Theories...................................................................................(12-21)

Evaluation of the Theories......................................................................................(22-24)

Conclusion................................................................................................................(25-26)

Consent Forms..........................................................................................................(27-28)

References..................................................................................................................(29-30)
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Introduction

This paper aims to explore and critically analyze the theories of personality

proposed by Sigmund Freud and Karen Horney. Personality psychology seeks to

understand the patterns of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that make each individual

unique. Freud and Horney have made significant contributions to this field, each offering

distinct perspectives on how personality develops and manifests. Freud’s psychoanalytic

theory introduces key concepts such as the unconscious mind, the structure of personality

(comprising the id, ego, and superego), psychosexual stages of development, and defense

mechanisms. Freud's model emphasizes the role of innate drives and early childhood

experiences in shaping personality. On the other hand, Horney's theory focuses on

cultural and social influences, introducing the concepts of basic anxiety and neurotic

needs. Horney challenges some of Freud's ideas, offering a more culturally and socially

oriented framework for understanding personality development.

The paper is organized into several sections. Following this introduction, the

theories of Freud and Horney will be described, highlighting their major tenets and ideas.

The next section will provide a comparative analysis, identifying at least two similarities

and three differences between the theories. Following that, the applicability of each

theory to explaining personality development will be discussed, using real-life examples

from interviews with two individuals. The final section will offer a critical evaluation of

the theories, considering their strengths and weaknesses based on established criteria for

evaluating the usefulness of a theory. This evaluation will include citations from

published sources to support the critique. By examining these theories through a

comparative lens and applying them to real-life personalities, this paper aims to deepen
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our understanding of the complexities of personality development and the diverse

approaches within the field of personality psychology.

Description of the Theories: Shaneque Smith and Daniel Griffiths

By highlighting the unconscious mind's function, psychoanalytic pioneer

Sigmund Freud developed a revolutionary theory of human behavior. According to his

theory, unconscious memories, ideas, and desires influence a large portion of our

behavior and greatly influence our personalities. The id, ego, and superego are the three

separate components of the personality that Freud separated. The primeval and instinctive

portion of the mind, which contains our unconscious memories and primal urges, is

represented by the id. As the practical component, the ego acts as a mediator between the

moral restraints of the superego and the impulses of the id. The internalized moral

principles and values we pick up from our parents and society are embodied by the

superego, which is formed through socialization.

The idea of defense mechanisms is one of Freud's most significant contributions. The ego

employs these tactics to shield itself from tension and internal strife. Repression, which

involves pushing undesirable thoughts from conscious awareness; denial, which involves

refusing to accept facts or reality; and projection, which involves attributing one's own

undesirable emotions to others, are common defense mechanisms. Since these systems

show how people deal with stress and internal problems, understanding them is essential

to psychoanalysis.
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The psychosexual stages of development were also given a lot of attention by

Freud, who believed that early experiences had a long-lasting effect on a person's

personality and conduct. Oral, anal, phallic, latency, and genital are the five stages he

described; each has its own conflicts and possible fixations. For instance, the infant's

mouth is the primary site of pleasure throughout the oral stage, which lasts for the first

year of life. Adult habits and characteristics, such reliance or violence, might be

influenced by experiences during this stage.

Dream analysis is another important component of Freud's theories. According to Freud,

dreams provide a window into the unconscious mind and are a manifestation of our

deepest fears and impulses. He maintained that dreams contain both latent (the

psychological meaning that is buried) and apparent (the actual plot). Freud claimed that

humans could reveal suppressed ideas and unsolved problems by deciphering dreams.

Freud also created the free association approach, which encourages patients to talk

openly about whatever comes to mind. This technique aids in getting past the conscious

mind's barriers, enabling unconscious feelings and ideas to come to the surface. A

fundamental component of psychoanalytic treatment, free association offers insights into

the unconscious mechanisms influencing behavior.

Along with these ideas, Freud's theories have contributed to a better

understanding of the human psyche and have influenced a number of disciplines,

including psychiatry, psychology, literature, and even the arts. His theories on early

childhood development, the unconscious mind, and personality dynamics have

significantly influenced our understanding of mental health and human behavior. Karen

Horney was a well-known psychotherapist who presented novel theories that contradicted

many of the old Freudian notions. She focused on the influence of social, cultural, and
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environmental elements on psychological development rather than genetic drive. The

idea of basic anxiety, which she defined as a profound sense of powerlessness, insecurity,

and terror brought on by early experiences of poor parenting, neglect, or overcontrol, is at

the heart of her work. Pressures from society exacerbate this worry even more, making

people feel alone and alienated.

Moving Toward People: This tactic is becoming unduly obedient, reliant, and

subservient to others in an attempt to gain love, acceptance, and a sense of belonging.

People who use this strategy frequently place an undue emphasis on relationships because

they think that being close and getting acceptance would protect them from feelings of

insecurity and abandonment. This conduct can result in people-pleasing tendencies and

the suppression of own needs, which can lead to a loss of uniqueness, even though it may

provide momentary relief. Moving Against People: In this strategy, people use hostility,

control, and power over others to fight discomfort. In order to defend themselves against

perceived threats or vulnerabilities, they view relationships as fundamentally competitive

and aim for recognition and authority. In their pursuit of supremacy and self-defense,

these people frequently alienate others by displaying animosity, conceit, and a lack of

trust.

This method emphasizes independence and disengagement as a means of avoiding

possible rejection, suffering, or reliance on other people. People who choose this method

tend to become emotionally aloof or distant in their pursuit of independence and

detachment. Although this might give one a sense of security, it also makes it more

difficult to build lasting relationships and can exacerbate feelings of isolation and
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loneliness. Horney also found 10 neurotic needs—such as the need for love, approval

from others, achievement, and perfection—that correspond with these tactics. In an

attempt to manage their underlying fear, people may acquire mistaken or excessive

wants, which are represented by these demands. A person with a strong desire for

achievement could chase success at the price of their mental and emotional health,

whereas someone motivated by the need for affection might compromise their identity in

order to win acceptance. The knowledge that these coping strategies, although at first

adaptive, can turn maladaptive when they take over a person's psyche is a fundamental

component of Horney's beliefs. They exacerbate emotions of inadequacy and worry by

sustaining a cycle of internal conflict and discontent. Horney also popularized the idea of

the "idealized self," which is the theory that people inflate their own image in order to

make up for feelings of inadequacy and inferiority. As a protective strategy, this idealized

self frequently creates a painful disconnect between the real self and this unachievable

ideal, which encourages self-criticism and additional psychological suffering.

Horney highlighted the importance of individual choice, development, and the capacity

for self-awareness in contrast to Freud's deterministic theory of human behavior. She

thought that promoting healthy psychological development required the creation of

loving, supporting surroundings, especially during childhood. Her beliefs, which

emphasize how the environment shapes personality and behavior, promote a

compassionate understanding of human challenges.

Analysis of the Theories: Shanieke Newell and Dannielle Brown

Having explore the major tenets of both Sigmund Freud’s and Karen Horney’s

theories, it is essential to analyze how these theories compare and contrast with one

another. Both theories offer different and unique insights into personality development,

but they also differ significantly. In this section we will examine the key similarities and

differences between Freud’s and Horney’s theories below.

Similarities

1. Focus on Early Childhood:

Both Freud and Horney acknowledged the importance of early childhood experiences in

shaping personality. Freud's psychosexual stages and Horney's concept of basic anxiety

emphasize that the roots of adult behavior and personality are deeply embedded in early

life experiences (Schultz & Schultz, 2017).

2. Influence of Unconscious Processes:

Both theorists recognized the crucial role of unconscious processes in influencing

behavior. Freud's emphasis on the unconscious mind, which includes the id, ego, and

superego, parallels Horney's focus on unconscious motivations driving neurotic needs.

They both agree that much of what drives human behavior lies beneath the surface of

conscious awareness (Schultz & Schultz, 2017).

Differences
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1. Structure of Personality:

Freud's model includes distinct levels of personality: the conscious, preconscious, and

unconscious. Additionally, his structural theory divides the mind into the id (instinctual

desires), ego (reality-oriented mediator), and superego (moral conscience). Horney,

however, does not utilize this tripartite structure. Instead, she emphasizes the concept of

basic anxiety and the resulting neurotic needs as key components of personality (Schultz

& Schultz, 2017; McLeod, 2024).

Freud's id, ego, and superego are in constant conflict, with the ego trying to balance the

demands of the id and the moral constraints of the superego. This dynamic interaction

leads to the use of defense mechanisms, such as repression and denial, to manage anxiety

(Schultz & Schultz, 2017). Horney, in contrast, focuses on how individuals cope with

basic anxiety through developing neurotic needs, which do not necessarily fit into Freud's

structural model (Schultz & Schultz, 2017).

2. Role of Sexual Drives:

Freud placed significant emphasis on sexual drives, proposing that personality

development is closely linked to the resolution of psychosexual stages such as oral, anal,

phallic, latency, and genital stages. He then believed that unresolved conflicts during

these stages can lead to fixation and impact adult personality (Schultz & Schultz, 2017).

For example, fixation at the oral stage might result in behaviors centered around oral

activities, such as smoking or overeating.

Horney, however, argued that personality is more influenced by social and cultural

factors rather than sexual impulses. She believed that basic anxiety and the strategies

individuals use to cope with it (neurotic needs) are more central to understanding

personality development (Schultz & Schultz, 2017). Horney's perspective shifts the focus

from biological drives to the impact of cultural and interpersonal dynamics on

personality.

3. Concept of Neurosis:

Freud viewed neurosis as resulting from unresolved conflicts between the id, ego, and

superego, leading to anxiety and the employment of defense mechanisms. According to

Freud, neuroses are deeply rooted in the individual's unconscious mind and are

manifestations of repressed desires and conflicts (Schultz & Schultz, 2017).

In contrast, Horney attributed neurosis to basic anxiety, which she believed arises from

childhood experiences of helplessness and isolation. She argued that neurotic behavior

stems from maladaptive strategies individuals develop to cope with this anxiety, such as

developing excessive needs for affection or power (Schultz & Schultz, 2017). Horney's

approach emphasizes the role of environmental factors and interpersonal relationships in

the development of neurosis, rather than internal conflicts.

4. Oedipus Complex:

Freud introduced the Oedipus complex during the phallic stage of psychosexual

development. He proposed that boys develop unconscious sexual desires for their

mothers and view their fathers as rivals. The resolution of the Oedipus complex occurs

when the boy begins to identify with his father, adopting his values and behaviors, which
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helps develop a masculine gender identity. Freud also proposed a counterpart for girls,

the Electra complex, where girls develop unconscious sexual desires for their fathers and

hostility towards their mothers (Schultz & Schultz, 2017).

Horney rejected Freud's notion of the Oedipus complex as innate sexual desires and

instead emphasized the role of power struggles and anxiety within the family. She

believed that children's feelings of rivalry and hostility were driven by insecurity and fear

rather than sexual impulses (Schultz & Schultz, 2017). Horney's critique of the Oedipus

complex reflects her broader rejection of Freud's emphasis on sexuality and her focus on

social and cultural influences on personality development

In conclusion Sigmund Freud's and Karen Horney's theories offer valuable insights into

personality development from distinct perspectives. While both highlight the importance

of early childhood experiences and unconscious processes, they diverge in their views on

the structure of personality, the role of sexual drives, the sources of neurosis, and the

concept of the Oedipus complex. Freud's psychoanalytic approach focuses on internal

conflicts and sexual development, whereas Horney emphasizes social and cultural

influences and interpersonal dynamics.

Application of the Theories: Kevina Brown and Waine Edwards

INTERVIEW (A)

Freud's psychoanalysis theory explains its relevance to understanding personality

development. Such as the id, ego, and superego, the role of childhood experiences,

psychosexual stages, and how unresolved conflicts in early life can influence adult

personality and lead to different disorders, for example. Dissociative identity disorder

(DID), formerly known as multiple personality disorder and split personality disorder, is

a mental health condition where you have two or more separate identities.

“Dissociate” means to separate or disconnect. People with dissociative identity disorder

may experience several different personalities, usually referred to as alters. Each identity

may have different behaviors, memories, thought patterns, or expressions. The identities

might have different genders, ethnicities, and ways of interacting with their

environments.

These personalities may control your behavior at different times. Memories may not

transfer from one identity to another, which can cause amnesia (gaps in memory).

Amnesia is often an important symptom that raises concern for the diagnosis.

DID interferes with your ability to function day to day. It can impact your relationships

with others and performance at school or work.

DID is one of several dissociative disorders. These disorders affect your ability to

connect with reality. Freud’s Psychoanalytic theory may best describe this kind of
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disorder as it involves multiple personalities, and the psychoanalytic theory spoke of the

three (3) stages of personality.

2. Freud’s Psychoanalytic Theory Overview

 Id, Ego, and Superego: Freud proposed that human behavior is driven by the interplay

between these three aspects of the psyche. The id operates on the pleasure principle, the

ego works on the reality principle, and the superego represents internalized moral

standards.

 Psychosexual Stages of Development: Freud believed that early childhood experiences,

particularly in the stages of oral, anal, phallic, latent, and genital stages, influence

personality. Fixations or unresolved conflicts at any of these stages could manifest in later

behavior.

 Defense Mechanisms: Freud argued that when people experience unresolved childhood

trauma, they use defense mechanisms (like repression, denial, and projection) to protect

themselves from the anxiety caused by these unresolved conflicts.

 The Role of Childhood Trauma: Freud believed that early childhood trauma (like

neglect, abuse, or inadequate emotional support) could profoundly shape an individual’s

psyche, leading to issues in later life, including dissociation or the development of

alternate personalities (like DID).

3. Application of Freud’s Theory to Amoya’s Personality Development

After an interview with Amoya, information was gathered about her life history,

personality traits, and factors believed to influence her development. Hence, in this

section, Freud's theory of Psychoanalysis will be used to analyze Amoya's personality

traits.

Personality Trait #1: Emotional Instability and Mood Swings

 Freud would have explained emotional instability (mood swings) as a result of

unresolved conflicts, particularly in the phallic stage. If there was an early childhood

trauma related to a lack of affection or conflict with parental figures (for example, neglect

or emotional invalidation), it could cause fixation or regression, influencing mood and

emotional responses later in life.

 Additionally, after the interview with Amoya, it was concluded that she might have used

defense mechanisms like repression or denial to block out painful memories, but this

could manifest as sudden mood changes when these repressed feelings resurface.

Personality Trait #2: Dissociative Behavior and DID (Multiple Personalities)

 Freud might attribute the development of dissociative identity disorder (DID) to early

childhood trauma, such as physical or emotional abuse, neglect, or exposure to an

environment where the child feels emotionally unsafe. Based on Freud's view and the

interview that was done it can be suggested that Amoya’s mind developed multiple

personalities as a way to dissociate from unbearable experiences. This is a defense

mechanism: the mind splits to protect the individual from the overwhelming emotional

pain or trauma associated with the original personality.

 This can also be tied to repression, where memories of traumatic events are pushed into

the unconscious mind, leading to fragmented aspects of the self. The personalities might

emerge as separate identities in an attempt to manage the psychological tension created

by repressed memories.

Personality Trait #3: Guilt and Moral Conflict

 According to Freud's superego, it could explain how Amoya struggles with guilt, shame,

or self-criticism. If there had been an early period of harsh moral teachings or punitive

discipline from caregivers, based on the pieces of information collected from Amoya's

interview she may have developed an excessively harsh superego, contributing to feelings

of guilt and moral conflict later in life. This might even play a role in switching between

personalities, as each personality could carry its own set of moral standards or conflicts.

 For example, one personality may act out in ways that seem to contradict the values of

another, reflecting the internal battle between a harsh superego and a more instinct-driven

id.

Personality Trait #4: Attachment Issues or Fear of Abandonment

 Freud's theory also explains attachment issues as a result of disruptions during the oral

stage (early infancy) or phallic stage (toddler years), which are crucial for forming

secure attachments with caregivers. If Amoya experienced neglect or inconsistency in

care, it could lead to feelings of insecurity or fear of abandonment, contributing to

emotional distress and personality fragmentation.

 In the case of DID, this fear of abandonment could manifest through the development of

alternate identities to protect the self from the emotional devastation of rejection or

neglect.

4. Interview Findings

Emotional instability: During the interview that was conducted with Amoya she stated

that often time she has frequent emotional mood swings, However, she believes that her

emotional mood swings have a lot to do with her early childhood experiences/trauma.

DID Symptoms: During the interview, Amoya described that her personality is based on

her mood, depending on her situation. She also gave an example that one of the root

causes of her switching personalities is sexual assault, as this kind of act reminded her of

her childhood traumatic event.

Attachment Issues: During the interview, Amoya stated that her relationships with

family members were not as strong as they were to be especially with her father as she

experienced emotional and physical neglect from her father, as she was raised in a single-

parent home, her father played little to no part in her growing up. She also went on to

state that due to her daddy issues, she looks for comfort in older guys of her age, yet she

still finds it difficult to get too attached to anyone.

5. Conclusion

Freud's psychoanalytic theory provides a profound framework for understanding the

intricate dynamics of personality development, particularly in cases involving

dissociative identity disorder (DID). The application of Freud’s concepts—such as the

interplay of the id, ego, and superego, the impact of psychosexual stages, and the defense

mechanisms employed by the psyche offers valuable insight into Amoya’s experiences

and behaviors.

Amoya’s emotional instability and mood swings, dissociative behavior, feelings of guilt,

and attachment issues can all be traced to unresolved childhood conflicts and trauma, as

analyzed through Freud’s lens. These findings underscore the enduring relevance of

psychoanalytic theory in explaining complex mental health conditions, highlighting how

early experiences and defense mechanisms shape adult personality.

INTERVIEW (B)

The interviewee (a male) was presented with a series of questions focused on

personality development, personality traits, and self-awareness. The personality

development category emphasized the impact of childhood experiences and the influence

of parents or caregivers on their personality. The personality traits category aimed to

explore specific characteristics and descriptors associated with the interviewee's

personality. Meanwhile, the self-awareness section sought to gather insights on

personality trait enhancement and provided a general evaluation. After collecting

responses for each question within the outlined categories, a thorough assessment was

conducted to connect the findings to the chosen theoretical framework. The selected

theory for this analysis was Karen Horney's Psychoanalytic Social Theory.

Karen Horney was a German American psychoanalyst renowned for her

significant contributions to the understanding of personality development, particularly

through her critique of Freudian theory. She emphasized the role of basic anxiety—

stemming from early childhood experiences of insecurity—as a fundamental factor in

shaping personality. Horney introduced the concept of neurotic needs, which are

unhealthy coping mechanisms individuals adopt to manage anxiety, classifying them into

three patterns: moving toward people (seeking approval), moving against people (seeking

power), and moving away from people (seeking isolation). Additionally, she introduced

the idea of the idealized self, a distorted persona that creates inner conflict with one's true

self and highlighted the importance of self-realization—aligning one’s actions with their

authentic self. Challenging Freud’s theories on gender, Horney argued that psychological

differences between men and women are shaped more by social and cultural factors than

by biology, pioneering the field of feminine psychology. Her work laid the groundwork

for humanistic psychology, emphasizing the potential for personal growth and self-

actualization.

The responses gathered from the interviewee clearly indicated that the application

of the key theoretical concepts was evident. These concepts encompass parent-child

relationships, basic anxiety, neurotic needs and behaviors, self-realization, and the

idealized self.
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Regarding parent-child relationships, Horney stressed that early childhood

experiences, especially relationships with parents, are crucial in shaping personality.

Negative experiences, such as rejection, neglect, or inconsistency, can lead to feelings of

insecurity and anxiety, which then affect how the individual develops their coping

mechanisms and their sense of self. She also emphasized that parental behavior could

influence whether children develop a more neurotic personality (based on exaggerated

needs) or a healthier personality (based on a strong sense of self). When reflecting on the

influence of their parents or caregivers on their personality development, the interviewee

expressed feelings of neglect and a lack of love, which compelled them to cultivate a

strong sense of independence, self-reliance, and individuality. However, this

development also led them to become somewhat nonchalant and disconnected. While

possessing these traits isn’t inherently negative, the circumstances surrounding their

formation were not positive, ultimately resulting in more harm than good. This aligns

with Karen's observation that adverse experiences such as rejection, neglect, or

inconsistency can foster feelings of insecurity and anxiety, which subsequently impact

how individuals develop their coping mechanisms and sense of self. Regarding basic

anxiety, Horney asserted that it is a fundamental driver of personality. She believed that

basic anxiety represents a deep-seated feeling of loneliness and helplessness in an

unfriendly world. This anxiety often arises from early childhood experiences, particularly

the treatment a child receives from their parents. For instance, neglect, overprotection, or

inconsistency can foster feelings of insecurity. As a result, individuals may develop

neurotic tendencies as a coping mechanism for their overwhelming fear. Concerning this,

the interviewee shared that their parents were quite self-absorbed and primarily focused

on their own needs. They frequently heard from various people that "I am not their
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responsibility" when seeking help, guidance, or support. This led the interviewee to feel

like a constant burden, struggling to prove their worth. They noted that others would only

reach out when they needed something, taking advantage of the interviewee's knowledge,

but would quickly disappear afterward— a pattern mirrored in their interactions with

their parents. Due to these experiences, the interviewees expressed that they feel as

though they are merely surviving rather than genuinely living happily. According to

Karen Horney, neurotic needs are exaggerated, compulsive drives that arise from basic

anxiety. These needs are maladaptive and can lead to unhealthy coping strategies. She

identified ten neurotic needs and classified them into three broad categories: Moving

Toward People (Compliance) – characterized by a desire for affection and approval, often

at the expense of personal needs; Moving Against People (Aggression) – marked by a

pursuit of power, control, and dominance over others; and Moving Away from People

(Detachment) – which involves seeking independence and emotional distance, often

resulting in isolation or withdrawal. Based on the interviewee's responses, they align with

the category of Moving Away from People (Detachment). They expressed a growing

need to maintain distance from others, actively avoiding any form of connection.

Additionally, they tend to shun the presence of others, focusing solely on tasks at hand,

even when collaborating. The interviewee shared that they perceive a lack of authenticity

in their relationships, feeling consistently let down by others. Ultimately, what they have

longed for is genuine love and support, which they feel has always eluded them, resulting

in an ongoing struggle even into adulthood. Horney's concepts of self-realization and the

idealized self-propose that individuals maintain two versions of themselves: the real self,

representing their authentic personality, and the idealized self, which is an unrealistic,

perfectionistic image of who they believe they should be to avoid anxiety and gain
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approval. This idealized self can often lead to feelings of inadequacy and internal

conflict. The pursuit of aligning with this ideal can hinder individuals from achieving true

self-realization, which involves discovering and nurturing the real self, allowing them to

live in accordance with their genuine desires, values, and potential. The individual

discussed reflects a good level of self-awareness, acknowledging the neurotic behaviors

they have developed behaviors that can be unhealthy but have provided valuable lessons

through their experiences. They see themselves as logical, exhibit traits associated with

conscientiousness, and are driven by intrinsic motivation. While they recognize their

struggles related to self-perception, they do not identify with an idealized self. Instead,

they aim to address their weaknesses, such as being emotionally distant, to build healthier

relationships with others.

In conclusion, this interview proved to be truly insightful, allowing me to gain a

deeper understanding of Karen Horney's Psychoanalytic Social Theory through its

application. I have learned a great deal about the individual, and I am grateful for the

opportunity to do so. The interviewee's responses highlighted key aspects of their

personality development that align with Horney's theory. Experiences of parental neglect

in their early years fostered feelings of insecurity and contributed to certain neurotic

behaviors, notably emotional detachment, where the interviewee maintains distance from

others as a means of coping with anxiety. Despite these challenges, the interviewee

displayed notable self-awareness, recognizing their tendency toward emotional

withdrawal and expressing a desire to enhance their relationships. This illustrates

Horney’s concept of self-realization, whereby the individual seeks to connect with their

authentic self.
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Evaluation of the Theories: Shante Clarke and Devaune Millwood

Karen Horney’s Theory

Strengths of Karen Horney’s Theory

Karen Horney also deepened theories of neurotic need and trends and oriented

attention to the social – environmental characteristics of personality development. The

emphasis on dealing with basic anxiety due to childhood insecurity and organizing

neurotic needs into compliance, aggression, and withdrawal was helpful in terms of

classification of coping behaviour. Moreover, the exclusion of significant female novelty,

as well as the rejection of penis envy as an element of feminine character by Horney

contributed immensely to progressive change in the traditional misogynistic theories

developed by Freud in the field of psychology.

Limitations of Karen Horney’s Theory

The major weakness of this theory would be that there is hardly any kind of research

work that has been scientifically conducted by Horney and her ideas are more or less

clinical speculations. This means that her concepts are not easy to operationalize or

EVEN empirical or hypothesis by a systematic approach. Moreover, her differentiation of

neurotic needs is criticized for oversimplification of individual differences. Horney also

did not pay sufficient attention to the role of biology in personality development, in fact

she only mentioned social and culture contributions (McLeod, 2020).

Freud’s Theory

Freud’s Theory explains how and why individuals’ personality changes in his

concept of human development by looking at certain factors such as the environment,

culture, religion, and so on. Therefore, he emphasizes the importance of childhood

because the experiences acquired during this time influence the child’s adult life and

defense mechanisms. Innate practices will unconsciously be perpetuated, because it is a

learned behavior from childhood, so the mind unconsciously acts accordingly. Freud’s

theory of Psychoanalysis facilitates introspection and contributes to the development of

theories and new therapeutic approaches. This theory also decreases the personality

change symptoms. It prevents relapse and aids in the improvement of individuals life.

On the other hand, there are several weaknesses. Feud’s Theory does not foster empirical

testing, and it makes it difficult for the methodology to be tested as evidence for testing

of the hypnosis is not generatable. This allows individuals to focus on the past more

frequently and enables psychologists to disregard the biological and genetic factors of

mentally ill individuals.

Freud’s theory remains relevant today. As it helps individuals to understand the defense

mechanism of individuals and the state in which they are at. The four components of

Psychoanalysis include interpretation, transference analysis, technical neutrality, and

countertransference analysis. These help the therapist when analyzing a client.

Horney’s theory in Today’s World

That is why the theory of Karen Horney is still interesting as suggesting that the

problem arises from social and cultural factors. Her work is used in contemporary therapy

to explain how factors such as social expectation and interaction contribute to personality

(APA, 2021). There’s still a large material on the gender roles and identity issues debate

involving a critique of Fred’s ideas and Horney who has made a significant contribution

to the theory through her critique of Freud and among them is the “womb envy”. Today’s

relational and multicultural therapies expand synthesise information from her theories

aiding clients to construct healthier interpersonal relationships (Simply Psychology,

2023).

The Relevance of Freud’s Theory at the Present Time

Freud continues to be followed in contemporary world of psychology for his

psychoanalysis especially in the modern psychodynamic therapy and in the understanding

the different processes of the unconscious mind. Examples of free association and dream

analysis are employed to examine unresolved conflicts (McLeod, 2020). Formation let’s

call it defence mechanisms, and a structure called the id, ego, and superego are still useful

in therapy and cultural critique (Simply Psychology, 2023). Moreover, they synthesized

the evidence that support that the psychodynamic therapy, imported from Freud’s work,

is helpful in emotional and psychological healing.

Conclusion

In the exploration of Sigmund Freud's and Karen Horney's theories, we have

delved into the foundational concepts that have significantly influenced the field of

personality psychology. Freud's psychoanalytic theory, with its emphasis on the

unconscious mind, psychosexual development, and defense mechanisms, provides a deep

understanding of the internal dynamics that shape human behavior. On the other hand,

Horney's theory highlights the critical role of social and cultural factors, focusing on

basic anxiety and neurotic needs as central elements in personality development.

Through describing and understanding, comparing and contrasting these theories,

we uncovered both shared and distinct aspects of their approaches. Both Freud and

Horney recognized the profound impact of early childhood experiences and the influence

of unconscious processes. However, their divergence in areas such as the structure of

personality, the role of sexual drives, and the source of neurosis underscores the diverse

perspectives within psychology. Applying these theories to real-life examples allowed us

to see their practical implications in understanding personality traits. By examining the

personalities of two individuals through the lenses of Freud and Horney, we gained

valuable insights into how different theoretical frameworks can be used to explain

personality development.

The critical evaluation of these theories highlighted their strengths and

weaknesses. Freud's theory offers a comprehensive model of the human psyche, yet it has

been criticized for its overemphasis on sexuality. Horney's approach, while providing a

more culturally relevant perspective, has been noted for its lack of empirical support in

some areas. Overall, the contributions of both Freud and Horney remain pivotal in the

study of personality psychology. Their theories continue to inspire research and debate,
26

enriching our understanding of the complexities of human behavior. As we move

forward, integrating their insights with contemporary perspectives will further enhance

our ability to understand and explain the intricate nature of personality.

Consent Forms
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