Moving Toward People

Synonyms

Compliant type; Moving toward people; Self-effacing solutions

Definition

Karen Horney’s compliant type (also known as self-effacing or moving toward people) has a strong need for relationships, engages in altruistic behavior, but may have a tendency to self-abase in order to maintain a relationship.

Introduction

In Horney’s (1945) book, Our Inner Conflicts, she described a compliant type, as someone with a:

…marked need for affection and approval and an especial need for a partner- that is, a friend, lover, husband or wife who is to fulfill all expectations of life and take responsibility for good and evil, his successful manipulation becoming the predominant task. (p. 50)

In her 1950 book, Neurosis and Human Growth, she further described compliant types as exhibiting a self-effacingtrend, where they came to realize and accept their own helplessness. She wrote that although they may be fearful, anxious, and insecure, they look to those around them for direction. They may be...