Five Factor Model

A personality disorder can be described as a type of mental disorder in which someone has an unhealthy way of thinking and behaving which leads to difficulties in social situations and other aspects of life. To understand more specific personality disorders one must first know the definition of the illness on a basic level. A Dependent Personality Disorder (DPD) can broadly be described as a tendency to rely on others for nurturance, guidance, protection and support. More specifically it is defined as “ a pervasive and excessive need to be taken care of that leads to submissiveness, clingy behavior, and fear of separation” (Bornstein. 2012). A five factor model can be used by doctors diagnosing a patient with DPD. Thirty traits can be used when testing the five factor model, which is why experts rated each based on its prevalence to DPD so doctors can better understand the patient's illness. When rated by experts, a prototypic case of DPD includes high anxiousness, depressiveness, self consciousness, and vulnerability (from neuroticism); compliance and modesty (from agreeableness); and low assertiveness. A person suffering from DPD may also dislike to do activities and probably will not be open to change.
Characteristics of DPD When most therapists are asked what personality type is easiest to work with, the
They constantly talk and think about other people and even lose sleep worrying about others. Many of the people affected by this illness have lived through situations that were out of their control so they attempt to balance it out by controlling other people’s lives. They ignore their problems and focus on the worries of others. Sometimes, they pretend that situations aren't as bad as they really are and convince themselves that things will get better. Some activities that they participate in to ignore their problems are; compulsively spending money, become workaholics, believe lies, lie