What is the chameleon effect in BPD?

An individual with BPD will often explain that they often feel like a chameleon- changing who they are to fit whatever is going on in their environment. Because being alone is so often intolerable to a Borderline person, they grasp at whatever straws they can to feel included.

What does a chameleon personality mean?

Social chameleons, for whom Dr. Snyder uses the rather infelicitous term, ”high self-monitors,” display these key traits: – They pay careful attention to social cues, scrutinizing others with keenness so as to know what is expected of them before making a response.

Is it bad to be a social chameleon?

A social chameleon can fit in, adapt and feel comfortable in whatever situation they find themselves in . I’ve decided it is a good thing, as long as one personality and belief/value system is maintained in all situations.

Is there a chameleon personality type?

The chameleon personality type can walk into a room, quickly pick up on the expectations of those around them and become the life of the party or a quiet, thoughtful participant — or whatever they need to be. Meanwhile, their private self remains hidden.

Which MBTI is a social chameleon?

INFJs are chameleons because they so easily empathize with others and do well to appreciate their unique qualities. ENFJs are definitely chameleons, which comes from their powerful empathy. They connect so easily to the feelings of others which allows them to adapt to their environment.

What is borderline personality disorder and the chameleon effect?

Borderline Personality Disorder and ‘The Chameleon Effect’. This is the constant, unconscious change in the person’s ‘self’, as they struggle to fit in with their environment, or the people around them. It is, essentially, a fluctuating identity. It is the manifestation of a basic inability or difficulty in establishing a stable sense of self.

How do people with borderline personality disorder change?

For someone with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), change is less consciously determined. Transformation for such a person is more reflexive, less rehearsed. The borderline chameleon changes depending on the environment and who is present, constantly struggling to fit in.

Is BPD a chameleon in disguise?

Secondly, BPD’s chameleon disguise may mimic another syndrome and induce an incorrect assessment. In such a way, a cursory evaluation of “mood swings” may initiate a misapplied label of Bipolar Disorder. Alternatively, BPD may camouflage another illness, and be installed inaccurately as the primary diagnosis.

What is ‘the chameleon effect’?

In an excellent article by Sarah Myles, she describes this phenomenon: One of the biggest and most challenging aspects of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is often ‘The Chameleon Effect’ – or ‘mirroring’.