Our Inner Conflicts: A Constructive Theory of Neurosis

"Conflicts play an infinitely greater role in neurosis than is commonly assumed. To detect them, however, is no easy matter - partly because they are essentially unconscious, but even more because the neurotic goes to any length to deny their existence." Karen Horney proceeds to show how the neurotic tries to solve his fears of being split apart on the one hand and his need to function as a unity on the other. She develops a dynamic theory of neurosis centered on the basic conflict between the attitudes of "moving toward," "moving against," and "moving away from" people. An individual may be able to create a kind of artificial equilibrium, but new conflicts are generated and further remedies are required that can make the neurotic more hostile, more helpless, more fearful, and more alienated from himself and from others. Dr. Horney makes it clear that, in the hands of experts, the severe neurotics can be helped. Unlike Freud, she does not regard neurosis as rooted in instinct. In her words, her theory is "constructive because ... it allows us for the first time to tackle and resolve neurotic hopelessness.... Neurotic conflicts cannot be resolved by rational decision. The neurotic's attempts at solution are not only futile but harmful. But these conflicts can be resolved by changing the conditions within the personality that brought them into being." "The book represents a definite contribution to the theory and practice of psychoanalysis which is at once intelligent, original, and stimulating." -Ashley Montagu, Psychiatry "One is impressed by the richness of her clinical experience and by her accuracy as an observer and expositor." -Maxwell Gitelson, Social Science Review