Which finding would you anticipate in a client with dependent personality disorder?

Which finding would you anticipate in a client with dependent personality disorder?

• A. The client demonstrates splitting behaviors
• B. The client is comfortable spending time alone
• C. The client monopolizes the discussion in group therapy sessions
• D. The client quickly replaces a lost relationship with another

Answer: (D)

Dependent personality disorder is defined by an pervasive need to be cared for and fear of separation, leading to submissive, clinging behavior and a strong reliance on others for support and decision-making. When a close relationship ends, this pattern often drives the person to quickly seek a new relationship to restore that sense of security and obtain continued care and support. That’s why replacing a lost relationship promptly fits best with the disorder’s core tendency to avoid abandonment and depend on others. The other options don’t align with dependent traits: splitting is more typical of borderline personality features, being comfortable alone contradicts the need to rely on others, and monopolizing discussion in a group would reflect a different interpersonal dynamic not characteristic of dependency.

Dependent personality disorder is defined by an pervasive need to be cared for and fear of separation, leading to submissive, clinging behavior and a strong reliance on others for support and decision-making. When a close relationship ends, this pattern often drives the person to quickly seek a new relationship to restore that sense of security and obtain continued care and support. That’s why replacing a lost relationship promptly fits best with the disorder’s core tendency to avoid abandonment and depend on others. The other options don’t align with dependent traits: splitting is more typical of borderline personality features, being comfortable alone contradicts the need to rely on others, and monopolizing discussion in a group would reflect a different interpersonal dynamic not characteristic of dependency.