In 1988, Trent Reluctantly Started Psychotherapy While in Prison for Sexually

question 61

Multiple Choice

In 1988, Trent reluctantly started psychotherapy while in prison for sexually assaulting three young boys. Trent's therapist soon diagnosed Trent with multiple personality disorder and Trent began to claim that another personality he called 'Mike' was a pedophile who he was unable to control. Trent began to switch between his own personality and that of his alter ego frequently in prison, insisting that the other inmates refer to him by different names at different times. Which theory BEST explains Trent's display of multiple personalities?

• A) Trent has multiple personalities because he experienced sexual abuse as a child.
• B) Trent developed a second personality so that committing sexual assaults on children would be less distressful.
• C) Trent accepted the diagnosis of MPD because it was a socially acceptable way to explain his socially unacceptable behaviour.
• D) Trent accepted the diagnosis of MPD in order to please his therapist.

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Definitions:

Appropriate Behavior

Conduct that is considered socially acceptable and in line with established norms.

Permissive-Indulgent

A parenting style characterized by high responsiveness and low demands, where parents are loving and nurturing but provide few guidelines and rules.

Showing Warmth

Showing warmth involves behaviors that convey kindness, care, affection, and understanding towards others, contributing to a sense of trust and emotional connection.

Physical Discipline

The use of physical force with the intention of causing a child to experience pain, but not injury, for the purpose of correction or control of the child's behavior.