University:
The University of Texas at San Antonio
Course:
PSY 2503 | Developmental Psychology
Academic year:

2022
Views:

358

Pages:

4
Author:

ilikemyicons0y5

Dependent Personality Disorder Dependent Personality Disorder • Individuals are – Caring to a fault • Allow others’ well-being to come first no matter what the cost may be to themselves or their identity – Ever helping and giving • Committed to their personal relationships, especially to their spouse and the institution of marriage • Live their lives through others and for others • When people they care for are happy, they are happy – Tend to assume a more passive role in relationships • Defer to the opinions and desires of those they love – Then vicariously enjoy their partner’s pleasure and fulfillment • Prefer harmony in relationships – Tend to be apologetic even when others should take the greater responsibility for a disagreement Dependent Personality Disorder • Have many characteristics that are prized within our culture – Being happy when loved ones are happy – Making sacrifices for the good of others • Volunteering to perform many selfless acts • Warm and affectionate on the surface – Underneath they see themselves as helpless and fear doing anything on their own • Need to be taken care of – Seek competent instrumental surrogates who reward submission by facing down the problems of the world for both of them Dependent Personality Disorder • Many are incapable of making routine decisions without first seeking advice – Put their lives in control of others • This clinginess suffocates their partners and puts them at risk for abandonment • Many behaviors are fueled by this fear/risk of abandonment – Often submit quickly to their partners’ wishes – Often become so pleasing no one would possibly want to leave them • When relationships do dissolve, their self-esteem becomes devastated – Deprived of support or attachment, they • Withdraw into themselves • Become increasingly tense and despondent