PSY 366 - Chapter 13 (Cluster C)

What are the Anxious Personality Disorders (cluster C)? (3)

Avoidant, Dependent, Obsessive-Compulsive

What is Avoidant PD characterized by?

pervasive anxiety, a sense of inadequacy, and a fear of being criticized; leads to avoidance of social interactions and nervousness

What are the Psychodynamic theories for Avoidant PD?

feelings of shame and insecurity tied to childhood experiences; parents punish or shame child for having bladder accidents as a child, leads to negative self image

What are the CB theories for Avoidant PD?

harsh criticism in early childhood may lead certain people to assume that others in their environment will always judge them negatively

What are some treatments for Avoidant PD?

help individuals change distressing beliefs and thoughts, improve self image, social skills training

What is Dependent PD characterized by?

pervasive selflessness, need to be cared for, fear of rejection that leads to a total dependence on and submission to others

What are the Psychodynamic theories of Dependent PD?

unresolved conflict during oral stage of development, early parental loss or rejection

What are the Behavioral theories of Dependent PD?

parents of those with DPD unintentionally reward clinging, punish acts of independence

What are the Cognitive theories of Dependent PD?

maladaptive attitudes and dichotomous thinking

What are some of the Cognitive treatments for those with Dependent PD?

help clients challenge and change their assumptions of incompetence and helplessness

What are some of the Behavioral treatments for those with Dependent PD?

therapists provide assertiveness training to help the individual better express their own wishes in relationships

What is Obsessive-Compulsive PD characterized by?

pervasive rigidity in one’s activities and interpersonal relationships, including emotional construction, extreme perfectionism and anxiety about even minor disruptions in one’s routine

What are the Psychodynamic theories of Obsessive-Compulsive PD?

anal retentive; early struggles with parents over control or independence

What are the CB theories of Obsessive-Compulsive PD?

illogical thinking processes, dichotomous thinking, misreading potential outcomes of mistakes

What are some treatments for those with Obsessive-Compulsive PD?

change all or nothing thinking, help recognize and accept underlying feelings and insecurities; can respond well to SSRIs (serotonin enhancing antidepressants)