Character Disturbance, Volume 1

Editorial Reviews Simon (In Sheep's Clothing: Understanding and Dealing with Manipulative People) challenges traditional psychological notions by asserting that character deficiencies underlie common emotional and behavioral problems prevalent today. He suggests that established therapies may no longer be relevant and that alternative treatments based on cognitive-behavioral principles are needed. Simon compares character disorders with neurotic disturbances on various dimensions. The destructive thought patterns of his subjects are described, and common tactics they use to manipulate and avoid blame are reviewed. This paradigm is then applied to a variety of pathological figures from bullies, abusers, and molesters to the most vicious psychopaths and notorious white-collar thieves of our time. The book includes treatment vignettes employing cognitive behavioral therapy techniques and concludes with a discussion of cures for what Simon argues is a social epidemic. VERDICT This provocative book provides down-to-earth advice for therapists and victims of character-disordered persons. However, statistical support for the idea that such disorders have increased to epidemic levels and a discussion of the role of drug therapy for this group would have been useful. Part treatment guide and social commentary and part marketing tool for the author's workshops, this book is recommended for readers interested in psychology and criminology.—Antoinette Brinkman, M.L.S., Evansville, IN