Avoidant Personality Disorder 673
2. Is unwilling to get involved with people unless certain of being liked.
3. Shows restraint within intimate relationships because of the fear of being shamed or
ridiculed.
4. Is preoccupied with being criticized or rejected in social situations.
5. Is inhibited in new interpersonal situations because of feelings of inadequacy.
6. Views self as socially inept, personally unappealing, or inferior to others.
7. Is unusually reluctant to take personal risks or to engage in any new activities because
they may prove embarrassing.
Diagnostic Features
The essential feature of avoidant personality disorder is a pervasive pa ttern of social inhi-
bition, feelings of inadequacy, and hypersensitivity to negative evaluation that begins by
early adulthood and is present in a variety of contexts.
Individuals with avoidant personality disord er avoid work activities that involve sig-
nificant interpersonal contact because of fears of criticism, disapprova l, or rejection (Cri-
terion 1). Offers of job prom otions may be declined because the new responsibilities might
result in criticism from co-workers. These individuals avoid making new friends unless
they are certain they will be liked and accept ed without criticism (Criterion 2). Until they
pass stringent tests proving the contrary, other people are assumed to be critical and dis-
approving. Individuals with this disorder will not join in group activities unless there are
repeated and generous offers of support and nurturance. Inte rpersonal intimacy is often
difficult for these individuals, although they are able to es tablish intimate relationships
when there is assurance of uncritical acceptan ce. They may act with restraint, have diffi-
culty talking about themselves, and withhold intimate feelings for fear of being exposed,
ridiculed, or shamed (Criterion 3).