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CASE STUDY
"Sister Jane" • Dependent Personality Disorder

When you think of Sister Jane, her whole experience of herself seems to be dictated by the reaction of others. Making decisions frightens her; she needs constant reassurance. She avoids positions of responsibility; even in her ministry as a nurse she's unable to be decisive. She is much better in responding to others - even the whims of her patients! This is frustrating for the other nurses who experience her as inconsistent with regard to her patient care. She struggles to complete tasks but does show that she has the necessary abilities if someone will work with her.

Sister Jane doesn't like to be alone and some sisters in community experience her as socially awkward and clingy. Sister Jane attends prayers but it is difficult to have a spiritual conversation with her. When pressed she reveals that her experience of God is a powerful, kindly father figure before whom she feels like a helpless child, constantly expecting to be rescued.

Sister Jane suffers from a dependent personality disorder. In dealing with her community leadership suffers also. As a leader you may experience many thoughts and feelings, such as: "She's generous; I feel guilty when I brush her off when she is clingy." "Why doesn't she just get on with it? Will she always need help?" "I'll just have to do it myself or get someone else to finish her work."

How would YOU deal with Sister Jane? We would like to hear your ideas and comments.

LUKENOTES is a bimonthly publication of Saint Luke Institute.
Permission to use these materials must be requested in writing by contacting
lukenotes@sli.org

SLI EDUCATION DEPARTMENT
Saint Luke Institute
8901 New Hampshire Ave.
Silver Spring, MD 20903
(301) 422-5499 • (301) 422-5519 (fax)

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