According to Karen Horney, which of the following is a key concept in her psychodynamic theory of personality?

• A. Basic anxiety resulting from interpersonal relationships
• B. Self-actualization as the primary human motivation
• C. The Oedipus complex as central to personality development
• D. The collective unconscious and archetypes

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that Karen Horney's psychodynamic theory focuses on social and cultural factors influencing personality, especially interpersonal relationships.
2. Recognize that a central concept in her theory is 'basic anxiety,' which arises from feelings of isolation and helplessness in a potentially hostile world, particularly within early relationships.
3. Compare this with other options: self-actualization is a concept from humanistic psychology (Maslow), the Oedipus complex is from Freud's psychoanalysis, and the collective unconscious and archetypes are from Jung's analytical psychology.
4. Identify that Horney's emphasis on basic anxiety highlights how individuals cope with feelings of insecurity through strategies like moving toward, against, or away from others.
5. Conclude that the key concept in Horney's theory is 'basic anxiety resulting from interpersonal relationships,' distinguishing her approach from other psychodynamic theorists.