Posted by gardenergirl on June 28, 2006, at 14:18:11
In reply to Re: Continuing discussion of PD's--happyflower, posted by happyflower on June 28, 2006, at 11:18:55
> People's symptoms from a personality disorder are not coping mechinisims. If it was it would be understood that they can control their actions. But instead of coping mechinisms, they are biological traits of their personality.
I'm not sure where this idea comes from. My understanding is that the symptoms of a PD as they manifest in someone's behavior, thoughts, and feelings, are actually coping responses, but they may not be adaptive. You could also consider them to fall into the category of defense mechanisms, which are behaviors that serve to relieve or avoid a feeling of anxiety or other emotional discomfort. http://www.coldbacon.com/defenses.html
Having and using a variety of the more adaptive defense mechanisms is associated with good mental health, while using fewer and less adaptive oens more rigidly is associated with more distress.gg
poster:gardenergirl
thread:662028
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20060623/msgs/662276.html