Karen Horney's psychoanalytic theories emphasize the potential for self-realization and the importance of addressing social and cultural, rather than biological, factors in personality development. She challenged traditional Freudian views, particularly Freud's concept of "penis envy," which she argued stemmed from cultural influences rather than inherent biological differences. Horney believed that any sense of inferiority in women was a result of societal conditioning, such as dependence on men rather than their anatomy. She further suggested that men may experience "womb envy" due to their inability to give birth, countering Freud's focus on women's supposed envy of male anatomy.

Central to Horney's theory is the idea that the primary human motivation is the need for security rather than sexual drives. She argued that an individual's psychological development is determined by how well their basic needs for security are met during childhood. If these needs go unmet, it can lead to what Horney called "basic anxiety," a profound sense of helplessness and isolation. This anxiety can block normal development and result in neurotic behaviors.

Horney proposed three main coping strategies to manage anxiety: moving toward people, moving against people, and moving away from people.

Moving Toward People
This coping strategy involves seeking affection, approval, and closeness from others to reduce anxiety. Individuals become dependent on others for emotional support, which can provide comfort but may limit personal independence and growth.

Moving Against People
In this approach, individuals use aggression and dominance to manage anxiety. They assert control through assertiveness or hostility, often as a response to insecurity. While this may offer temporary power, it can strain relationships and lead to isolation.

Moving Away from People
Here, individuals cope by detaching and withdrawing from others, seeking self-sufficiency, and avoiding emotional involvement. Though it protects against anxiety, excessive detachment can result in isolation and loneliness.

Maladaptive Coping
Horney suggested that while most individuals adaptively use all three modes of social interaction depending on the situation, they do so in a balanced and flexible way. In contrast, neurotic individuals tend to rely excessively on one approach, which dominates their interactions. This lack of adaptability, she argued, often leads to difficulties in their social relationships. When these strategies are used rigidly or compulsively, they can become maladaptive, leading to neuroses and emotional disconnection from others.