Snakes in Suits Case Study

Development Psychoanalytic Theory of development
analyzes the conflict between the biological drives, and the social expectations
Freud’s psychosexual theory-- three components of personality
ID- biological needs and desires
Ego- a person’s conscious and rational thinking
Superego- a person’s conscience
Dave-his ID became over-developed
failed to develop a strong Superego
Dave makes “rational” decisions based on his selfish desires without the conscience of considering how it affects others Snakes In Suits Personality Psychopathic personality traits that Dave shows:
extremely intelligent
insincere
flatterer
disregarding the rules and laws
manipulative DSM-IV Dave’s disorder, psycopathy, is not DSM diagnosable, but the closest disorder in the DSM is antisocial personality disorder, 301.7. The symptoms of antisocial personality disorder that Dave has are deception and lack of remorse. However, Dave has several traits from the Hare Psycopathy Checklist, such as superficial charm, grandiose estimation of self, pathological lying, manipulative, lack of remorse, lack of empathy, parasitic lifestyle, irresponsibility, and failure to accept responsibility. Biopsychosocial Several of Dave’s psychopathic behaviors have psychological and social effects on others
manipulations have the greatest psychological impact
he makes both Frank and Dorothy seriously question themselves
he makes Dorothy wonder if she’s good enough
makes Frank wonder if he did something wrong
schmoozing is what causes the social impact on others
he gets to know all the employees, and figures out who the “losers” are, and who the “wannabes” are
he makes Debbie feel rejected when he does not acknowledge her
he makes coworkers feel like they have to play the social politics game Coping Skills/ Interventions no successful treatment for psycopathy
coping skills Dave could use to help control his behaviors:
identifying the factors that led up to his behaviors
pinpointing the triggers around him that cause him to act out
identifying his thoughts leading up to his behaviors
identify any flaws of thinking
once these flaws are identified, Dave can figure out how to avoid them. Background Dave applied for a job in a major corporation and was a finalist among other applicants. Dave was the perfect man for the job. He was charming, highly educated, and had an excellent resume. Dave was so charming and appealing, that at his final interview he was offered the job on the spot. Dave seemed like the ideal employee, but he went on to manipulate the company out of a significant amount of money and perks.