People who are highly critical of themselves and rely on validation from others may be suffering from which disorder?

Individuals who are highly critical of themselves and seek validation from others are often exhibiting characteristics associated with dependent personality disorder. This disorder is characterized by an excessive need to be taken care of, leading to submissive and clinging behaviors. People with this disorder may struggle with self-esteem and feel unable to make decisions independently, heavily relying on others for support and approval.

This need for external validation can result in a cycle where their self-worth is tied to the opinions and acceptance of those around them. Consequently, they may exhibit self-critical tendencies, particularly when they perceive that they have not met the expectations set by others or themselves. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for recognizing the underlying issues of dependent personality disorder, which is distinct from other personality disorders or conditions that focus on different aspects of behavior or interaction with others.