Self Image: Theoretical Underpinnings

At this point I would like to bring our focus to the self esteem and self image section of the triangle. This will likely be the most complex aspect of the triangle we need to learn about and the widest array of our clients would need assistance in this area.

Fount features an original model of self image which is, in part, inspired by Karen Horney’s theories of self and neurosis. Karen Horney was a German psychiatrist and Psychoanalyst. She was a neu-Freudian, which means that while she agreed with some of the fundamental tenets of Freud's psychoanalytic theory, she disagreed with and replaced key features of his theories. Other significant neu-Freudian counterparts of Horney who have influenced our view of human psyche include Carl Jung, Eric Fromm, Alfred Adler and Erik Erikson.

Horney attributed environmental and social factors to the personality and its disorders. Based on her theory, unhealthy or traumatic childhood environments result in a series of internal processes which include the formation of an imaginary construct which she calls the idealised self. So the individual uses their imagination to create a perfect version of themselves with exalted features and abilities to replace their currently impaired self image and unfavourable internal environment.

Soon the child begins to develop a need to actualise this imaginary self. The idealised self is an unhealthy coping mechanism which in the long run creates an array of mental health issues for the individual. This includes constant comparisons between their imperfect current self and their idealised self, a need for perfection and a despising of their imperfect current self.

Further reading: Neurosis and Human Growth: The Struggle Toward Self-Realization (1950)