Abnormal Psychology

620 CHAPTER 13

cognitive restructuring of maladaptive beliefs and strategies—can also help people

with avoidant personality disorder (Beck, Freeman, & Davis, 2004; Emmelkamp

et al., 2006; Farmer & Nelson-Gray, 2005; Reich, 2000; Van Velzen, Emmelkamp, &

Scholing, 1997). Treatment may also include family or couples therapy to help fam-

ily members change their responses to—and thus the consequences of—the patient’s

maladaptive behaviors.

Table 13.28 summarizes the contrasting characteristics of the ten personality

disorders.

Table 13.28 • The Personality Disorders: A Summary

Personality Disorders Affect Behavior Cognition Social Functioning

Odd/Eccentric: Cluster A

Paranoid Easily feels betrayed and

angry

Hypervigilant for betrayal Distrustful/suspicious of

others; reads malevolent

meaning into neutral

remarks

Generally avoids

relationships

Schizoid Emotionally constricted,

detached

Avoids people when

possible

Views relationships as

messy and undesirable

Indifferent to praise or

criticism; generally avoids

relationships

Schizotypal Generally emotionally

constricted, but displays

inappropriate affect and

anxiety

Avoids people whenever

possible

Perceptual distortions,

ideas of reference, magical

thinking

Generally avoids

relationships

Dramatic/Erratic: Cluster B

Antisocial Aggressive feelings toward

others, lack of empathy

Generally poor impulse

control

Believes that he or she is

entitled to break rules

Dominant in relationships

Borderline Emotionally expressive,

with inappropriately

strong and rapid reactions

Poor impulse control Dramatic shifts between

overvaluing and

undervaluing others; may

develop paranoid thinking

under stress

Alternately dominant

and submissive in

relationships

Histrionic Rapidly shifting but

shallow emotions

Relatively poor impulse

control; strives to be

center of attention

Some grandiosity, believes

that he or she should be

admired

Dominant in relationships

Narcissistic No empathy; haughty

towards others

Manipulates others Grandiosity Dominant in relationships

Fearful/Anxious: Cluster C

Avoidant Anxiety in social situations Overcontrol of behavior Excessively negative self-

opinion; worries about

being rejected or criticized

Submissive in

relationships

Dependent Anxiety about possible

separations from others

and having to function

independently

Overcontrol of behavior Believes that he or she is

helpless and incompetent

and so must rely on others

Submissive in

relationships

Obsessive-Compulsive Constricted in expression

of emotion to others

Overcontrol of behavior Perfectionism; rigid think-

ing; preoccupation with

details, rules, and lists

Dominant and somewhat

detached in relationships

Source: Pretzer & Beck, 2005; Skodol, 2005.