Samantha is anxious about socializing with others and she acts so funny toward her peers when they invite her to go out with them that they have stopped asking. Which interaction style does Samantha display, according to Horney?

Samantha is anxious about socializing with others and she acts so funny toward her peers when they invite her to go out with them that they have stopped asking. Which interaction style does Samantha display, according to Horney?

• A. moving toward
• B. moving against
• C. moving away from
• D. moving between

Answer: (C)

Samantha’s pattern reflects a tendency to detach and distance herself from others as a way to feel safe. Her social anxiety leads her to respond in a way that pushes peers away—acting so odd that they stop inviting her—which is characteristic of moving away from others. This style centers on withdrawal, independence, and keeping emotional distance to avoid potential rejection or disappointment. In contrast, moving toward would involve seeking affection and closeness, and moving against would involve hostility or dominance; those patterns don’t fit the observed withdrawal and avoidance in Samantha’s behavior.

Samantha’s pattern reflects a tendency to detach and distance herself from others as a way to feel safe. Her social anxiety leads her to respond in a way that pushes peers away—acting so odd that they stop inviting her—which is characteristic of moving away from others. This style centers on withdrawal, independence, and keeping emotional distance to avoid potential rejection or disappointment. In contrast, moving toward would involve seeking affection and closeness, and moving against would involve hostility or dominance; those patterns don’t fit the observed withdrawal and avoidance in Samantha’s behavior.