Assertion: Karen Horney argued that psychological disorders are caused by disturbed interpersonal relationships during adolescence.

Reasoning: Horney believed that when parents' behavior toward a child is indifferent, discouraging, and erratic, the child experiences basic anxiety, which can lead to psychological disorders.

The assertion is false, but the reasoning is true.

The correct answer is Option 4: The assertion is false, but the reasoning is true.

Assertion: Karen Horney argued that psychological disorders are caused by disturbed interpersonal relationships during adolescence. This is false. Karen Horney emphasized that psychological disorders stem from disturbed interpersonal relationships during childhood, not adolescence. Her concept of basic anxiety develops in early childhood, when children feel helpless in a hostile environment, particularly due to inconsistent or cold parental behavior.

Reasoning: Horney believed that when parents' behavior toward a child is indifferent, discouraging, and erratic, the child experiences basic anxiety, which can lead to psychological disorders. This is correct. Basic anxiety arises from problematic parenting — including lack of warmth, inconsistency, or rejection, which may contribute to neurotic tendencies.

"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. Horney emphasized that excessive dominance, indifference, or inconsistent parental approval can generate feelings of isolation and helplessness in children, ultimately hindering their healthy development."