More threads by Ripley426

Ripley426

Member
I am not a mental health professional, and my understanding of human psychology is based on taking multiple courses in psychology while at college (including a course on abnormal psychology) as well as numerous books on the subject since then. I am obviously no expert on matters of psychology and so have chosen to seek answers to some questions within this forum. Now to the matter at hand.

I have a mother who is, in my non-professional opinion, an extreme example of antisocial personality disorder. This woman has no moral or social conscience, lies incessantly, is completely selfish and self-absorbed (the kids in our family literally raised ourselves with little help from her), and brims with negativity, criticism, and hostility toward others. My siblings and I have spent all our adult lives trying to figure this woman out, and some aspects of her personality are still a mystery regarding why these things are so. A particular personality trait that I'm interested in the opinions and insight from members of this forum regards her obsession with personal possessions. Many years ago I gave this personality trait of her's a nickname: The Teacup Syndrome. That derives from a story she tells with full fury to this day (she's 75), that when she was a little girl her grandfather accidentally broke a teacup that was part of a play tea service she had. From that day onward she never played with it again because, "...it was not complete and would never be the same." To make matters worse, she claims he never apologized to her about it, for which she never forgave him. Whether or not he did not apologize is completely in question as I mentioned before she lies about everything and, unless one is present to witness any event, one can never be certain of the facts. Suffice it to say we kids knew full well that mom's possessions were more important than us, and the disposition of her possessions always came first.

At any rate, this obsession with possessions is all pervasive with her, and I would like to know what psychological reasons motivate her to be this way? In fact, just the other day I was visiting my parents when my mom went ballistic over the fact that my dad had moved her ironing board from the garage to a weatherproof storage shed outside. I understand that any object a person has owned for years can have sentimental value, but you would have sworn by her rage and her words that he had placed her finest china in the middle of a cow pature! Again, what makes a person so obsessed about personal possessions? Any insight would be welcome. Thanks.
 

David Baxter PhD

Late Founder
That's a complex question and hard to answer based on the information provided. There are a couple of articles on hoarding in the Compulsive Bevaviors forum here that might be relevant. However, I don't think this is a characteristic that is generally associated with APD.
 

Ripley426

Member
Thanks for your reply. I'll read those articles in the Compulsive Behavioral forum you mentioned. You also mentioned that this particular behavior is not necessarily associated with APD, however, it's a part of the makeup of my mother's personality which is very complex and extensive (from an abnormal psychology standpoint, ie., phobias, other personality disorders, addictive behavior, etc.). Again, thanks.
 
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