Colleen found herself attracted to her psychology instructor. She would frequently go by his office just to be near him. When he didn't respond to her advances, Colleen eventually told him that she had thoughts of killing herself so that he would spend time trying to counsel her. What personality disorder best describes Colleen's thinking and behavior?

Question

Colleen found herself attracted to her psychology instructor. She would frequently go by his office just to be near him. When he didn't respond to her advances, Colleen eventually told him that she had thoughts of killing herself so that he would spend time trying to counsel her. What personality disorder best describes ­Colleen's thinking and behavior?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Colleen's behavior and thinking suggest symptoms of borderline personality disorder, which includes extreme patterns of instability in interpersonal relationships, self-image, and emotions, as well as impulsivity, fear of abandonment, and manipulative behavior to avoid abandonment. Colleen's attraction to her teacher, the need for attention and approval, and the manipulation of a suicidal threat are all characteristic of borderline personality disorder. The other options do not fit with Colleen's symptoms, as schizoid and schizotypal personality disorders involve detachment from interpersonal relationships, and antisocial personality disorder involves disregard for the rights of others and violating social norms, which do not fit with Colleen's behavior.

Colleen Found Herself Attracted to Her Psychology Instructor