This book systematically expounds the basic propositions of Horney's theory of cultural neurosis, demonstrates in detail the relationship between cultural factors and the formation of neurosis, and proposes to replace Freud's biological determinism with cultural determinism. Horney believes: "If you delve deeply into the various dynamics that effectively lead to neurosis, you will find that there is a basic factor common to all neuroses, which is anxiety... No matter how complex the structure of the neurosis, this anxiety is always the driving force that triggers the neurotic process and maintains its operation." This book is Horney's thorough criticism and revision of orthodox psychoanalysis, marking the formation of his thoughts and the beginning of the formation of the sociocultural school of psychoanalysis. This book is famous for its plain and clear language, and it is simple and easy to understand but contains profound significance. It was well received and valued by the academic community when it was first published. It has been reprinted and reprinted many times and has become a best-seller in the psychology community. The emphasis of this book is to emphasize the neurotic's actual conflicts and his efforts to resolve them, as well as the neurotic's actual anxieties and the defense systems he has developed to combat these anxieties. This emphasis on real situations does not mean that I abandon the idea that neuroses are formed from early experiences in childhood.
Reader comments
This book gave me a deeper understanding of neurosis. The anxiety and defense mechanisms it mentioned reminded me of some of my own behaviors when facing stress. I may not have been aware of these before, but now I understand their roots. Moreover, the ideas in the book were very enlightening and made me think about the impact of our culture and social environment on individual psychology. I think this book is not only helpful to psychology majors, but also has a great enlightenment effect on ordinary people.
This book gave me a deeper understanding of neurosis. The anxiety and defense mechanisms it mentioned reminded me of some of my own behaviors when facing stress. I may not have been aware of these before, but now I understand their roots. Moreover, the ideas in the book were very enlightening and made me think about the impact of our culture and social environment on individual psychology. I think this book is not only helpful to psychology majors, but also has a great enlightenment effect on ordinary people.