Abnormal Psychology Research Paper Rough Draft
Grand Canyon University
Abnormal Psychology - PSY-470
August 12, 2024,
, Navigating Personality Disorders: Complex Challenges and Treatment Approaches
A personality disorder is a long-term mental health condition where there are enduring
patterns of behavior, cognition and inner experience that deviate significantly from cultural
norms and cause marked interpersonal or social impairment. For example, problems with
regulating emotions, forming relationships, or a sense of identity can be common. It takes time
and effort for those with personality disorders to get better and adapt to the world because these
issues encompass the entirety of their personality and have developed over a lifetime. Even
underneath the surface, the constant and consistent way they experience life can be immensely
complex and make the world a confusing place to navigate – and not in a good way. For those
who have family, friends and colleagues with any personality disorder, let alone multiple, it can
be challenging to understand why they behave or feel the way they do. They often turn
situations into battles where there are no winners, showing no sign of shame or regret when
treating others appallingly, or becoming perplexed when they are treated as such. When learning
about personality disorders, one initial point highlighted is their persistence and pervasiveness.
This means that the behaviors or cognitions that characterize personality disorders affect the
individual almost all the time, and it can be especially difficult for the person to develop and
maintain healthy relationships. For example, we refer to disorders such as borderline personality
disorder and narcissistic personality disorder to express the multiple ways that a person’s
relational patterns and sense of self can vary, often to their detriment and that of those around
them. Research into personality disorders shows their pervasive and persistent influence, with
thought patterns and behaviors that are notably consistent, complicating the development and
sustenance of healthy relationships. Understanding the behaviors and emotions of individuals
with personality disorders, whether they are family, friends, or colleagues, can be perplexing.
Grand Canyon University
Abnormal Psychology - PSY-470
August 12, 2024,
, Navigating Personality Disorders: Complex Challenges and Treatment Approaches
A personality disorder is a long-term mental health condition where there are enduring
patterns of behavior, cognition and inner experience that deviate significantly from cultural
norms and cause marked interpersonal or social impairment. For example, problems with
regulating emotions, forming relationships, or a sense of identity can be common. It takes time
and effort for those with personality disorders to get better and adapt to the world because these
issues encompass the entirety of their personality and have developed over a lifetime. Even
underneath the surface, the constant and consistent way they experience life can be immensely
complex and make the world a confusing place to navigate – and not in a good way. For those
who have family, friends and colleagues with any personality disorder, let alone multiple, it can
be challenging to understand why they behave or feel the way they do. They often turn
situations into battles where there are no winners, showing no sign of shame or regret when
treating others appallingly, or becoming perplexed when they are treated as such. When learning
about personality disorders, one initial point highlighted is their persistence and pervasiveness.
This means that the behaviors or cognitions that characterize personality disorders affect the
individual almost all the time, and it can be especially difficult for the person to develop and
maintain healthy relationships. For example, we refer to disorders such as borderline personality
disorder and narcissistic personality disorder to express the multiple ways that a person’s
relational patterns and sense of self can vary, often to their detriment and that of those around
them. Research into personality disorders shows their pervasive and persistent influence, with
thought patterns and behaviors that are notably consistent, complicating the development and
sustenance of healthy relationships. Understanding the behaviors and emotions of individuals
with personality disorders, whether they are family, friends, or colleagues, can be perplexing.
