What best describes the real self in Horney's theory?

• A. The Idealized Self
• B. The private, true self that may be distorted by neurotic defenses
• C. The socially presented self
• D. The external identity

Answer: (B)

In Horney’s theory, the real self is the private, true core of a person—the inner sense of who you genuinely are, with your authentic feelings, potentials, and capacities for growth. It is the core that can become distorted when neurotic defenses form to cope with anxiety and insecurity. People may guard or distort this real self by clinging to an idealized self—an exaggerated, perfect image they strive to live up to—so they feel safe, but that idealized image masks the real self. The other described selves are about masks or outward presentations we show to others, not the inner core itself. So the best description is the private, true self that may be distorted by neurotic defenses.