Cycle 16 - Flashcard Set 1
What is emotional avoidance behaviour, and why is it used by individuals with BPD?
Emotional avoidance behaviour is used to avoid intolerable emotions, but there are always consequences. Individuals with BPD use emotional avoidance behaviour to cope with their intense emotions and fear of abandonment.
What are some common emotional avoidance behaviours used by individuals with BPD, and what are their consequences?
Common emotional avoidance behaviours used by individuals with BPD include pleasure-seeking and thrill-seeking activities/products, scattered/racing thoughts, multitasking, people-pleasing, and desiring an unrealistic amount of control. These behaviours may provide temporary relief from negative emotions, but they have harsh long-term consequences, such as losing significant relationships and being unable to function in life situations.
How do companies worldwide contribute to emotional avoidance behaviour?
Companies worldwide promote consumption of their products to avoid emotional responsibility, making it challenging to face difficult emotions honestly.
What emotional avoidance behaviour is often seen in individuals with BPD who fear abandonment and are sensitive to guilt and shame?
Scattered/racing thoughts are often seen in individuals with BPD who fear abandonment and are sensitive to guilt and shame.
Why is multitasking considered an emotional avoidance behaviour in individuals with BPD?
Multitasking is an unrealistic expectation that can be an emotional avoidance behaviour to avoid frustrated/irritated responses and the fear of abandonment.
What is people-pleasing, and why is it considered an emotional avoidance behaviour in individuals with BPD?
People-pleasing is an emotional avoidance behaviour used to avoid rejection or abandonment, but it can be tiring and produce resentment.
What dictates which emotional avoidance behaviours are chosen in BPD?
The difficulty of emotions dictates which emotional avoidance behaviours are chosen in BPD.
What is another emotional avoidance behaviour used to feel internally secure, and what are its consequences?
Desiring an unrealistic amount of control over environments and people is another emotional avoidance behaviour used to feel internally secure. However, it can lead to losing significant relationships and being unable to function in life situations.
Are emotional avoidance behaviours used regardless of their consequences?
Yes, emotional avoidance behaviours are used regardless of the consequences they might produce, including losing significant relationships and being unable to function in life situations.
What can emotional avoidance behaviours lead to in individuals with BPD?
Emotional avoidance behaviours can lead to desperation and an urge to give up on life.
How can the constant promotion of pleasure-seeking and avoidance behaviours in society undermine emotional mastery?
The constant promotion of pleasure-seeking and avoidance behaviours in society can undermine emotional mastery by making it difficult for individuals with BPD to learn how to cope with their emotions in a healthy way.
What is essential for individuals with BPD to overcome emotional avoidance behaviours and improve their quality of life?
Emotional responsibility and self-awareness are essential for individuals with BPD to overcome emotional avoidance behaviours and improve their quality of life.
