Final answer:
Ivan may deal with unpleasant situations or relationships by either dealing with them healthily or by isolating himself, which can be a sign of a neurotic coping strategy. Real-life examples include sidestepping a workplace issue or finding compromise within a group to achieve common goals.
Step-by-step explanation:
When Ivan encounters unpleasant situations or relationships, according to Karen Horney's theory of coping strategies, he may deal with them in one of several ways. If Ivan were to embrace and try to talk out his troubles, that might suggest a healthy coping mechanism. However, if Ivan deals with unpleasantness by pushing them away and isolating himself from disagreeable influence, this could signify that he is using a neurotic strategy according to Horney. This neurotic coping mechanism can lead to alienation from others if used compulsively and rigidly.
An example of a predicament in life that cannot be directly solved but can be side-stepped might involve a complex work situation where direct confrontation would lead to conflict. In such cases, Ivan could analyze the predicament logically and identify the source of the problem, then find a way to work around it, such as focusing on alternative tasks or finding common ground on secondary issues.
Situations that require group consensus, like choosing a restaurant or completing a group project, demonstrate the importance of being able to compromise and negotiate to accomplish group goals. Successful navigation of group dynamics can also reflect one's approach to dealing with unpleasant situations. It requires the ability to process abstract information, anticipate new situations, and possibly make individual sacrifices for the greater good.