Cluster ‘C’ Personality Disorders

The behavior in clusters A and B are obvious. Hal Marcovitz explains that the A and B clusters are expressed through “histrionic ravings, commission of crimes, suicide attempts, or paranoid and delusional accusations.” He then describes cluster C symptoms as more subtle and often misdiagnosed (Marcovitz, 2009). The cluster C personality disorder diagnoses are marked by persistent maladaptive strategies to reduce anxiety, particularly around prospects of future punishment or disappointment.

In terms of Jeffrey Grey’s behavioral systems, cluster C personality disorders would represent a dominant behavioral inhibition system. According to Grey, the behavior activation and behavior inhibition systems operate within the brain, creating differences in sensitivity to environmental stimuli (Gray, 1987). Accordingly, cluster c disorders suggest that these individuals are highly sensitive to stimuli signaling punishment or non-reward.

Avoidant Personality Disorder (AVPD)

Individuals with AVPD often experience intense feelings of inadequacy and are extremely sensitive to rejection. This can lead to social inhibition and avoidance of new activities or interactions, ultimately impacting their personal and professional lives. “The avoidant individual seeks to forestall the experience of rejection by staying away from social or public settings where he might be subject to negative judgments or in his mind even ridicule” (Siever, 1999).

Treatment typically involves therapy to improve self-esteem and develop coping mechanisms for social situations.

See Avoidant Personality Disorder for more information on this disorder

Dependent Personality Disorder (DPD)

Psychology diagnostic literature characterize DPD as a pervasive psychological dependence on others. Those with this disorder may exhibit clingy and submissive behavior, striving to maintain a close relationship to avoid feelings of abandonment. Siever describes that the person with this personality disorder “structures their life around submission to a dominant other avoiding the ambiguities, conflicts, and potential rejections inherent in making their own decisions” (Siever, 1999).

Therapy aims to empower individuals to build self-confidence, assertiveness, and autonomy.

See Dependent Personality Disorder for more information on this disorder

Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder (OCPD)

Unlike obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), OCPD pertains to a preoccupation with orderliness, perfectionism, and control. Individuals with OCPD may struggle with flexibility and openness, often leading to interpersonal difficulties. “The obsessive compulsive personality disordered patient is obsessively rule bound diminishing possibilities of spontaneity and flexibility that for them may be an occasion for uncertainty or conflict” (Siever, 1999).

Treatment involves therapy to address perfectionism, rigidity, and the underlying anxiety.

See Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder for more information on this disorder

Associated Concepts

• Sociopathy (A Personality Disorder): This refers to a person with a personality disorder characterized by consistent antisocial behavior, lack of empathy, disregard for the rights of others, and manipulative tendencies.
• Social Skills: This refer to the abilities and behaviors that enable individuals to interact effectively with others in various social situations. These skills include communication, active listening, empathy, teamwork, conflict resolution, and the ability to understand and navigate social cues.
• Altercasting: This behavior is used in the context of communication and means an individual manipulates personal identity and situational cues so that the Alter (other) adopts a particular identity or role type that serves the first individual’s personal goal.
• Prosocial Behaviors: These behaviors are voluntary actions intended to benefit others or society as a whole. This can include acts of kindness, cooperation, sharing, and helping, often without any expectation of rewards or benefits in return. 
• Abnormal Psychology: This branch of psychology is devoted to the study, assessment, treatment, and prevention of maladaptive behavior, emotion, and thought.
• Masochistic Personality: This personality trait refers to a personality disorder characterized by the enjoyment or seeking out of pain, humiliation, or subjugation. It involves deriving pleasure or satisfaction from experiencing physical or emotional suffering.

A Few Words by Psychology Fanatic

In conclusion, understanding cluster C personality disorders is crucial in providing appropriate support and intervention for individuals grappling with these conditions. Accordingly, with understanding, we can offer empathy, and design specialized therapeutic approaches that best fit the individual.

Last Update: March 7, 2026

References:

Gray, J. A. (1987). Perspectives on anxiety and impulsivity: A commentary. Journal of Research in Personality, 21(4), 493–509. DOI: 10.1016/0092-6566(87)90036-5
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Marcovitz, Hal (2009). Personality Disorders (Diseases and Disorders). ‎Lucent Books; Illustrated edition. ISBN: 9781420501155
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Siever, Larry J. (1999). Psychobiology of Personality Disorders: Implications for the Clinic. In: Jan J .L. Derksen, Cesare Maffei, and Herman Groen (eds.)Treatment of Personality Disorders. Springer. ISBN: 9780306462153
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