Karen Horney

Karen Horney was a significant figure in psychoanalysis who challenged Freud's male-centric theories. She developed a theory of neurosis based on basic anxiety and the ways individuals cope with it through moving toward, against, or away from others. Horney's work is considered a precursor to feminist psychology, as she critiqued the concept of 'penis envy' and emphasized the social and cultural factors that shape gender identity. Her focus on self-realization and the importance of healthy relationships remains highly relevant in modern clinical practice and the study of personality development.