Which of the following is true of Karen Horney's theory on personality?

• A. Horney argued that childhood experiences were unimportant in personality development.
• B. Horney believed that personality was primarily determined by unconscious sexual and aggressive drives.
• C. Horney rejected the idea that anxiety could influence personality.
• D. Horney emphasized the role of social and cultural factors in shaping personality.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the context of Karen Horney's theory by recognizing that she was a neo-Freudian psychologist who challenged some of Freud's ideas, especially regarding personality development.
2. Step 2: Identify the key elements of Horney's theory, which emphasize the importance of social and cultural influences rather than just biological or unconscious drives.
3. Step 3: Evaluate each statement in the problem by comparing it to Horney's views: she did not dismiss childhood experiences but focused on social relationships; she did not prioritize unconscious sexual and aggressive drives as Freud did; and she acknowledged anxiety as a significant factor in personality.
4. Step 4: Recognize that the correct statement aligns with Horney's emphasis on social and cultural factors shaping personality, highlighting her belief that environmental and interpersonal factors are crucial.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the true statement about Horney's theory is that she emphasized the role of social and cultural factors in personality development, distinguishing her approach from classical Freudian theory.