i. Passive-Aggressive Personality. Individuals with this type of personality
typically express hostility in indirect and nonviolent ways; in other words, passively.
Characteristics of such an individual include procrastinating (why do today what you can
put off until tomorrow); "forgetting;" deliberately keeping something from being done;
inefficiency. This type of behavior is more often present in work situations but can be
present in situations with other people. The passive-aggressive personality never really
confronts a problem directly, behavior which results in no problem solving at all.
j. Inadequate Personality. Characteristics typical of this type of personality
include:
(1)
Normal intellectual endowment.
(2)
Ineffectual.
(3)
Inept.
(4)
Unconcerned with reaching set goals.
k. Passive-Dependent Personality. This type of personality is extremely
dependent on other people and suffers acute discomfort-- almost panic--at having to be
alone. Self-confidence is lacking, and such individuals feel helpless working by
themselves even though they may be very competent and have good work skills. A
listing of characteristics typical of the passive-dependent personality includes:
(1)
(2)
Immature personality.
(3)
Overwhelmed by feelings of helplessness, fear, and indecision.
(4)
Clings to others for support.
1-7.
THERAPEUTIC INTERVENTIONS
Today, mental health professions are concentrating on preventing mental health
problems. In the 1960s, individuals with mental health problems were usually seen only
after the problem became severe. Typically, the person was sent far away from their
home area to recover. If treatment is necessary today, the person is treated in the area
in which he lives so that not only will his life be disrupted as little as possible but also he
will be able to keep in contact with his support groups--his family and his friends.
Additionally, a patient who must be placed in a hospital is returned to the community as
soon as possible so that his problem will not become chronic.
MD0586
1-14