Horney's view of neurotics is that they are trapped in what kind of pattern?

• A. Aggressive dominance
• B. Self-defeating pattern of interpersonal interaction
• C. Healthy interpersonal engagement
• D. Independent pursuit of goals

Answer: (B)

Horney argues that neurotics are trapped in a self-defeating pattern of interpersonal interaction. She posits that basic anxiety from early relationships and social conditions pushes people to adopt rigid ways of relating to others, and these patterns undermine their own needs and well-being. These self-defeating styles show up as distinctive ways of seeking security: moving toward others to obtain love and approval, moving away to avoid rejection, or moving against others to gain control or power. While these strategies may seem to solve a momentary worry, they actually solidify neurotic patterns and perpetuate the very anxiety they were meant to reduce.