Question

Manisha’s younger sister was physically weak and frail so her parents devoted more time in raising her. Though Manisha understood that her sister needed more parental care yet she often felt ignored. This feeling of neglect eventually made her develop anger towards her parents.

1. According to Horney, briefly explain the two components of Personality that Manisha developed.  [2]
2. Suggest any two ways by which Manisha could cope with her situation.  [2]

Answer 1

(a) Karen Horney, a Neo-Freudian psychologist, highlighted how childhood events and interpersonal relationships influence personality development. Her idea suggests that basic anxiety and hostility play a significant role in shaping a person’s personality.

1. Basic Anxiety: This is a feeling of isolation and helplessness in a potentially hostile world. It can arise when a kid feels ignored, unwanted, or insecure.
   → Manisha may have experienced emotional uncertainty and loneliness as a result of being overlooked by her parents while caring for her weak sister, leading to worry.
2. Basic Hostility: When basic anxiety is not addressed, it can lead to resentment or anger towards caregivers or others responsible for the neglect. However, children often repress this anger because they are dependent on their caregivers.
   → Manisha’s hatred against her parents, despite her intellectual understanding of the circumstances, is an indication of fundamental anger.

(b) Two ways by which Manisha could cope with her situation:

1. Open Communication with Parents: It allows Manisha to express her sentiments of being excluded or disregarded in a respectful manner. Sharing her emotions can prevent misunderstandings and make her parents more aware of her emotional needs.
2. Journaling or Expressive Writing: Recording her thoughts and emotions can be beneficial. Manisha gains emotional clarity. His self-reflective method helps her process dissatisfaction and resentment in a healthy way.