Question

People with ______ personality disorder are so afraid of being criticized that they stay away from others and become socially isolated. a. borderline b. avoidant c. dependent d. psychopathic

Short answer

The correct answer is b: avoidant personality disorder.

Step-by-step solution

Understanding the Question

First, we need to understand what the question is asking. We need to identify which personality disorder causes individuals to be afraid of criticism and results in them becoming socially isolated.

Reviewing Personality Disorders

Let's briefly review the characteristics of each personality disorder listed: - Borderline personality disorder involves instability in relationships, self-image, and affects, and marked impulsivity. - Avoidant personality disorder is characterized by feelings of extreme social inhibition, inadequacy, and sensitivity to negative criticism and rejection. - Dependent personality disorder involves a pervasive and excessive need to be taken care of, leading to submissive and clinging behavior. - Psychopathic traits are not about fear of criticism but involve manipulative behavior, lack of empathy, and remorse.

Matching Characteristics

Compare the characteristics from Step 2 with the description in the question: - The question describes a personality disorder where individuals are afraid of being criticized and thus become socially isolated. This matches the characteristics of avoidant personality disorder, as individuals with this disorder are sensitive to criticism and hence socially withdraw to avoid negative judgments.

Choosing the Correct Answer

Based on our analysis from the previous steps, the correct answer is option b: avoidant personality disorder, as it aligns with the behavior of being afraid of criticism and social isolation.

Key concepts

Avoidant Personality Disorder

Avoidant Personality Disorder (APD) is a mental health condition marked by a long-standing pattern of feelings of inadequacy and extreme sensitivity to what others think about them. Individuals with this disorder tend to be incredibly shy and often feel inferior to others. They are usually reluctant to engage in social interactions due to their profound fear of rejection and disapproval.

Some key features of Avoidant Personality Disorder include:

• Persistent feelings of inadequacy.
• Fear of criticism and embarrassment.
• Social inhibition, leading to avoidance of social activities.
• Very low self-esteem and self-worth.

People with this disorder desire close relationships but often consider themselves to be unworthy. This pushes them to avoid new social interactions for fear of negative evaluations. Understanding APD is crucial, as it underscores the importance of empathy and support for those experiencing the condition.

Social Isolation

Social Isolation is a state where an individual has limited interaction or communication with others. It often involves a sense of loneliness and can have significant impacts on one's mental and emotional well-being. For individuals with Avoidant Personality Disorder, social isolation is commonly a result of their intense fear of being judged or ridiculed.

Factors leading to social isolation in individuals may include:

• Fear of negative judgment from others.
• Previous experiences of rejection or ridicule.
• Feelings of inadequacy and inferiority.

Social isolation can be both a symptom and a cause of further psychological distress, creating a cycle that is difficult to break. Combatting isolation involves gentle encouragement and supporting individuals in building self-confidence. Encouraging participation in smaller, supportive groups can help nurture interpersonal skills and gradually reduce feelings of isolation.

Sensitivity to Criticism

Sensitivity to criticism is a hallmark trait of those with Avoidant Personality Disorder. It involves an acute awareness and overreaction to any form of negative feedback, which can significantly affect one's emotions and social engagement.

Key aspects of sensitivity to criticism include:

• Fear and anxiety over potential ridicule or disapproval.
• Difficulty accepting any form of negative feedback without taking it personally.
• A tendency to withdraw from social situations to protect oneself from criticism.

This trait can severely limit one's personal and professional life, as individuals may avoid situations where they think they might encounter criticism. Overcoming sensitivity to criticism involves developing coping mechanisms and self-esteem enhancing strategies. It can require a supportive environment that focuses on strengths and provides constructive feedback in a gentle and positive manner.