Our Inner Conflicts: A Constructive Theory of Neurosis [Paperback]

Karen Horney (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 31, 1945

Here Karen Horney develops a dynamic theory of neurosis centered on the basic conflict among attitudes of "moving forward" "moving against," and "moving away from" people.

Unlike Freud, Horney 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. . . . But [they] can be resolved by changing the conditions within the personality that brought them into being."

--This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Karen Horney (1885-1952) was one of the most influential psychoanalysts of the twentieth century. Her books include Neurosis and Human Growth, The Neurotic Personality of Our Time, New Ways in Psychoanalysis, Our Inner Conflicts, Self-Analysis, Feminine Psychology, Final Lectures, and, as editor, Are You Considering Psychoanalysis? --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 254 pages
• Publisher: WW Norton & Co (December 31, 1945)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0393001334
• ISBN-13: 978-0393001334
• Product Dimensions: 7 x 4.1 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 0.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,334,936 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

33 of 33 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Know Thyself.., June 28, 2001

By 

"_bits_" (Australia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Our Inner Conflicts: A Constructive Theory of Neurosis (Paperback)

You've read the above reviews, and I second them all, so I will not repeat them. Let me just add that you will want a pencil and highlighter, because you will be underlining, circling, and making notes to yourself in the margin. This is an irreplaceable tool if you're into self-cultivation. A giant step UP from the abundant new-age spiritual soul-candy out there. It is not a book on spirituality, but identifying and correcting our OWN inner conflicts is the cornerstone of spiritual practice; therefore I highly recommend it for seekers and cerebrals alike. Everyone has heard the saying "Know Thyself"; this book will help you do it.

24 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent; A worthwhile read, January 6, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Our Inner Conflicts: A Constructive Theory of Neurosis (Paperback)

Our Inner Conflicts offers fascinating insight into the conflicts which frustrate all of us to some extent, as well as a look into the psychology of the people that tend to frustrate us. I have read this book several times over the years, and each time have taken away something new. While this book is not as detailed as Horney's Neurosis and Human Growth, it is certainly more accessible. I recommend reading them both.

33 of 35 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Insightful, Brilliant, Simply Correct, July 24, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Our Inner Conflicts: A Constructive Theory of Neurosis (Paperback)

Karen Horney is one of the greatest of the Post-Freudian psychoanalysts. Horney's concepts of the root causes of neurosis, a basic anxiety, a sense of lurking hypocrisy , an idealized self image, conflicting impulses, are ingeniously insightful and, I have found, correct. Her paradigm is very useful for understanding human behavior; not only the behavior of those who would be diagnosed with a formal disorder but also of those whose personalities contain elements of neurosis not extensive enough for formal diagnosis. Understanding her concepts can also be valuable for those of us who would like to understand our own neuroses better. If you want to understand psychoanalysis, read Freud, read Jung, but read Horney as well. Without her ideas, your understanding will be sorely incomplete. Remember, Jung and Frued can be integrated with Horney, synthesis brings greater understanding. Read, learn, and enjoy the benefits.