Ep 35: A Deeper Look at Schizoid Personality | Psychodynamic Perspective
In this episode of The Personality Couch, we (licensed clinical psychologists Doc Bok and Doc Fish) use a fresh psychodynamic perspective to look at the misunderstood, quiet, awkward, and socially backwards schizoid. We explore the misunderstandings and stigmas surrounding schizoids, their emotional depth, and the historical perspectives that have shaped our understanding of this personality type. Our conversation highlights the internal struggles of schizoids, their coping mechanisms, and the rich inner lives they lead, often hidden from the outside world. We also take a look at the superpower of the schizoid and how they spot others’ disingenuousness. We emphasize the unique internal experiences of schizoids and the need for a compassionate approach in relationships and in clinical practice.
Are you a clinician stuck on a case? To schedule a consultation, please visit the practice website! https://www.questpsych.org/
Chapters
- 00:00 Introduction to Schizoid Personality
- 01:42 What do Schizoids Look Like?
- 03:30 Stigmatization of Schizoids
- 05:05 Historical Names & Schizoids’ Discovery
- 06:18 Kahlbaum’s Heboid Personality
- 06:47 Hoch’s Shut In Personality
- 07:05 Kraeplin’s Mildly Defective Personality
- 07:26 Bleuler’s Schizoidie Personality
- 08:07 Jung’s Introverted Personality
- 09:12 Menninger & Schizoid’s False Shell / Exterior
- 09:52 Winnicott & Schizoid’s False Self
- 10:35 Guntrip on Depression & Anhedonia in Schizoids
- 12:26 Schizoids as Therapists
- 13:40 Akhtar’s Overt & Covert Personality Features
- 15:08 Nancy McWilliams’ Psychodynamic Schizoid
- 15:43 Attachment’s Influence on Schizoid
- 16:25 Schizoid’s Core Fears
- 18:32 Schizoid and Histrionic Connection
- 19:40 Schizoid’s Defense Mechanisms
- 23:03 Sense of Self & Castle Metaphor
- 24:08 Schizoid vs Obsessive Compulsive Personalities
- 24:38 The Colorful Inner World of Schizoids
- 27:40 Schizoids’ Superpower
- 30:30 Summary and Conclusion
Additional Podcast References
- American Psychiatric Association. (2022). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders: DSM-5-TR (5th edition, text revision.). https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.books.9780890425787