Neurosis and Human Growth: The Struggle Toward Self-Realization

Horney's last book gives the most complete statement of her theory of neurosis, built on the opposition between the real self and an idealized self. Under adverse conditions a person abandons the real self for an idealized self. From this follows the search for glory. It brings neurotic claims, the tyranny of the should, neurotic pride and self-hate, and with them alienation from the self. Horney describes three main solutions to the conflicts this produces: the expansive, the self-effacing and the resigned. They continue the moving against, toward and away from people of her earlier work. Therapy is framed as freeing the forces of self-realization.