Horney argued that disturbed interpersonal relationships during childhood could lead to psychological disorders. The feeling of basic anxiety arises when parents' behavior is:

Indifferent

Horney made a significant contribution by challenging Freud's notion of women being inferior. According to her perspective, both sexes possess admirable qualities, and neither should be considered superior or inferior. Horney argued that social and cultural factors had a more significant impact on women than biological factors. One of Horney's key ideas was that disturbed interpersonal relationships during childhood could lead to psychological disorders. When parents exhibit indifference, discouragement, or inconsistent behavior towards their child, the child develops feelings of insecurity, which Horney referred to as "basic anxiety." This anxiety can lead to deep resentment or "basic hostility" towards the parents.