Dying to be ill: The role of self-enhancement motives in the spectrum of factitious disorders

Author(s): Janata, J. W.

Journal/Book: J Soc Clin Psychol. 1997; 16: 72 Spring Street, New York, NY 10012. Guilford Publications Inc. 178-199.

Abstract: It has long been observed that people sometimes fake or exaggerate symptoms of physical illness or injury. These gratuitous symptom complaints, together with doctor visits, medication use, and so forth, are collectively called Abnormal Illness Behavior (AIB). In this article we examine some associated features of extreme cases of AIB, which suggest that these behaviors may reflect attempts at self-definition and self-esteem management. Four specific hypotheses are offered to explain the mechanisms through which these motives might maintain severe forms of AIB. We then consider the utility of looking for the operation of these mechanisms in less extreme cases. Studies are reviewed which suggest that identity and self-esteem motives do affect AIB in non-clinical samples. Finally we discuss the potential for our self-enhancement theory to integrate extant theories of the causes of AIB, as well as the clinical implications of our approach.

Note: Article Hamilton JC, Univ Alabama, Dept Psychol, Box 870348, Tuscaloosa,AL 35487 USA

Keyword(s): MUNCHAUSEN-SYNDROME; FOCUSED ATTENTION; ILLNESS; SOMATIZATION; COMPLAINTS; HYPOCHONDRIASIS; DEPRESSION; NEUROTICISM; UNIQUENESS; RELEVANCE

Zurück | Weiter