Final answer:
In Karen Horney's theory, the 'detached' personality type seeks to feel superior to others by being recognized for their uniqueness without engaging with others. This type uses detachment as a coping mechanism and prefers independence and self-sufficiency.
Step-by-step explanation:
In Karen Horney's theory of personality, the personality type that desires to feel superior to others through the recognition of their uniqueness without struggle or involvement with other people, is called the 'detached' personality type. This type of individual tends towards isolation and self-sufficiency, preferring detachment from others as a coping mechanism for dealing with basic anxiety.
Horney's theory describes three coping strategies for dealing with anxiety: moving toward people (compliant type), moving against people (aggressive type), and moving away from people (detached type). The detached type, in particular, avoids relationships and emotional ties, thus requiring recognition for their uniqueness without close interactions with others.
The 'aggressive' type, in contrast, would be characterized by assertiveness and the desire to excel against others, and the 'compliant' type would seek acceptance and affection through pleasing others.