There would be less neurosis, according to Horney's theory, if

There would be less neurosis, according to Horney's theory, if

• A. parents loved their children more
• B. parents were stricter
• C. children are given independence
• D. parents provided more material comfort

Answer: (A)

In Horney’s theory, basic anxiety and neurotic behavior come from not feeling adequately loved and safe in the family environment. When parents show more warmth and love, children feel valued and secure, which reduces their basic anxiety and the need to rely on neurotic defense patterns. Therefore, increasing parental love would lead to less neurosis. Stricter parenting can heighten insecurity rather than soothe it, granting independence alone doesn’t guarantee the emotional security that offsets neurotic tendencies, and material comfort doesn’t substitute for the emotional warmth that builds a healthier sense of self.

In Horney’s theory, basic anxiety and neurotic behavior come from not feeling adequately loved and safe in the family environment. When parents show more warmth and love, children feel valued and secure, which reduces their basic anxiety and the need to rely on neurotic defense patterns. Therefore, increasing parental love would lead to less neurosis. Stricter parenting can heighten insecurity rather than soothe it, granting independence alone doesn’t guarantee the emotional security that offsets neurotic tendencies, and material comfort doesn’t substitute for the emotional warmth that builds a healthier sense of self.