卡倫．荷妮

About the Author

Karen Horney (1885-1952) was a pioneering German psychoanalyst and one of the first women to make significant contributions to the field of psychology. Born in Hamburg, she initially trained in medicine before delving into psychoanalysis under the influence of Sigmund Freud, though she later diverged from his theories to develop her own insights into neurosis and personality development. Horney emphasized cultural and social influences on mental health, challenging Freud's emphasis on biology and introducing concepts like the 'basic anxiety' arising from childhood experiences. Her work highlighted the inner conflicts that shape human behavior, including tendencies toward aggression, withdrawal, and compliance. As a feminist thinker, she critiqued patriarchal biases in psychoanalysis and advocated for a more relational understanding of the self. Horney's innovative ideas continue to influence modern psychotherapy, making her a foundational figure in social psychology and self-analysis.