According to Horney, a person with low self-esteem feels that which is unworthy?

• A. Self-image
• B. Real self
• C. Public self
• D. Ideal self

Answer: (B)

In Horney’s view, the real self is the authentic core of who you are, with your true potential and capacities. When someone has low self-esteem, they internalize the belief that this real self is unworthy. That judgment cuts at the heart of self-acceptance, because it means the person sees their actual abilities, needs, and worth as inherently flawed. This perception can fuel feelings of inadequacy and insecurity, since the foundation—the real self—is deemed not good enough.

This differs from the self-image, which is how you consciously see yourself in general; the public self, which is the persona you present to others; and the ideal self, which is the person you aspire to be. A person with low self-esteem might still have a certain self-image or public self, but the critical problem is the belief that the real self is not worthy, driving ongoing inner conflict and dissatisfaction.