What is
Masochistic Personality Disorder (proposed/historical)?

Masochistic Personality Disorder (proposed/historical) is a mental health issue that can impact individuals in different ways. Understanding and addressing it through therapy can lead to improved well-being and quality of life.

What Is It?

Masochistic Personality Disorder, sometimes called self-defeating personality disorder, involves patterns of behaviour where someone consistently puts themselves in painful or unpleasant situations, often rejecting help or sabotaging their own success without realising why.

Common Experiences

People may feel uncomfortable with praise, choose relationships where they’re mistreated, or set themselves up for failure. They might feel guilt or shame when things go well, or believe they don’t deserve happiness or care from others.

How It Can Affect You

These patterns can deeply impact relationships, self-worth, and emotional wellbeing. Therapy helps uncover the root of these behaviours, build self-compassion, and develop healthier ways of relating to success, care, and connection without fear or self-sabotage.