Question

Read the conversation given below between a therapist and her client and answer the question that follows.

Therapist:	“Why do you feel that you cannot take any decisions on your own?”
Client:	“My family has always taken all decisions for me. I think they know what is good for me.”
Therapist:	“Are you scared of taking decisions independently?”
Client:	“Yes... I feel that if I agree with everyone in my family, only then will they take care of me.”

Examine the conversation in relation to the personality disorder indicated above. Interpret any two of its causes.

Answer 1

The client is exhibiting symptoms of Dependent Personality Disorder (DPD). This disorder is characterized by a pervasive and excessive need to be taken care of, leading to submissive and clinging behavior and fears of separation.

Evidence from the conversation:

• Inability to make decisions: The client says, “My family has always taken all decisions for me,” demonstrating a reliance on others to take responsibility for important aspects of their lives.
• Fear of losing support: The client expresses the belief that in order to be cared for, they must agree with everyone, showing the difficulties in expressing disagreement due to fear of losing support or approval.

According to the curriculum, two major causes for the development of Dependent Personality Disorder include:

1. Overprotective or Authoritarian Parenting: Early childhood experiences have a significant effect. Overprotective or controlling parents may inhibit their children's efforts to achieve autonomy and independence. When a youngster is not permitted to make their own mistakes or decisions, they grow up believing they are incapable and must rely on others for direction and survival.
2. Behavioural Reinforcement (Learning): From a behavioural perspective, the disorder may be the outcome of “conditioned” behaviour. If a child is repeatedly rewarded (given affection and attention) for being “obedient,” “compliant,” or “submissive,” but is ignored or punished when they try to act independently, they learn that relying on others is the only way to meet their needs.