Is self defeating personality disorder real? Sherri Papini diagnosis explained

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For quite some time now, fans of true crime have been speculating about Sherri Papini’s personality traits, labeling her as potentially narcissistic or suffering from Munchausen syndrome. However, in the recently released documentary titled “Sherri Papini: Caught in the Lie,” her therapist offers a surprising revelation regarding her diagnosis: “self-defeating personality disorder.

In November 2016, Sherri went missing from her residence in Redding, California, which was co-habited with her former spouse Keith Papini and their two offspring. After an absence of 22 days, she reappeared, appearing to be chained, bearing numerous bruises and burn marks, and having a Bible verse etched into her back.

In a shocking turn of events, she initially asserted that she had been kidnapped by two Latinas, but it was later found out that she was actually at her former boyfriend’s house, James Reyes. Following a term in prison and a hefty $300,000 fine, Sherri has finally decided to share her side of the story in ID’s latest documentary series titled “Caught in the Lie.

Initially, she confessed to the hoax in a plea bargain, claiming it was all fake. However, she’s recently altered her narrative, asserting that she was indeed abducted by Reyes. The FBI remains skeptical about her new account, but Dr. Stephen Diggs offers intriguing perspectives on this real-life version of Gone Girl.

Is self-defeating personality disorder real?

The term “masochistic personality disorder” was initially proposed for recognition in the psychiatric community’s diagnostic manual (DSM-III) back in 1980, although it is not officially recognized in the current version, DSM-5.

The text depicts a recurring habit where an individual frequently undermines themselves, often refusing aid, opting for scenarios resulting in defeat or embarrassment, and thereby thwarting their own prosperity or contentment.

Essentially, this refers to an individual who unknowingly attracts hardship, sometimes even in ways that elicit sympathy or focus. Historically, it’s believed that this pattern often originates from childhood experiences, with the affected person seeking confirmation, comfort, or a feeling of control in their life.

Regarding Sherri in the documentary series, Dr. Diggs comments that “Her lies stemmed from her Self-Defeating Personality Disorder. This condition, when seen in a child, presents as a mix of a friendly, sociable demeanor with an underlying passivity.

They are incredibly amiable, always charming, and eager to make others happy. This eagerness to make people happy proves beneficial in a challenging or traumatic family setting.

He implies that Sherri may have developed a clandestine emotional relationship with James Reyes due to her having an affliction that causes her to seek fulfillment in relationships that don’t satisfy her, only to then create a hidden life to meet her needs.

An affair unfolds like a chain reaction, ending with its conclusion. It doesn’t just appear suddenly; instead, it arises when a request for acknowledgement is overlooked.

In simpler terms, “Sherri attempts to attract her husband’s attention, but he doesn’t respond, which leads her to desire a hidden life.

“She contacts James, hoping for a brief instance where her desires are fulfilled before resuming her submissive duties. However, things didn’t go as planned.” (This version maintains the original sentiment but is more straightforward and easier to understand.)

Even so, the application of this diagnosis remains a subject of debate. Critics contend that it might mislabel behaviors rooted in past trauma or depression, and its broad definitions can lead to inconsistent use.

Some people believe it’s just a renaming of characteristics commonly seen in other, more universally recognized conditions such as Borderline Personality Disorder or Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.

Why psychologist thinks Sherri Papini lied

In Sherri Papini’s situation, the therapist’s choice of words might have been an effort to clarify a woman who apparently caused herself physical and emotional damage, wove a tangled web of deceit, and ultimately ruined her own life – not for financial gain, but potentially as a means of inflicting pain.

In another perspective, it’s not the storyline Dr. Diggs accepts. He firmly believes that she was indeed abducted. The idea of this being a deliberate fabrication orchestrated by Sherri seems ill-fitting with the facts available in this case, as expressed by Dr. Diggs.

As a licensed psychologist based in California, with expertise in treating personality disorders, I serve as Sherri’s therapist. While no one is infallible, the likelihood of me being mistaken about her condition or treatment is relatively low due to my familiarity with both Sherri and the specific personality disorder we are addressing.

I’m convinced that she’s managed to overcome a tough facade of dishonesty in her communications, and now generally speaks truthfully. Through our therapy sessions, as well as her experiences in prison, she appears to have abandoned major deceptions.

She always strives to avoid telling a large falsehood to the public, as the repercussions have been substantial, and she’s put in considerable effort to ensure this.

Following my explanation of the diagnosis, I assert that it’s highly probable that he kidnapped her. Unfortunately, there were aspects of her torment that she was ashamed and uncomfortable discussing. However, I am convinced beyond doubt that Sherri did not solicit or desire such a situation. On the contrary, she had no wish for this to occur.

Her thoughts were, ‘I need to leave this place safely. If I comply with his actions, it might increase the chances of being released unharmed.’

After managing to survive and return home, her primary objective became ensuring that she wouldn’t lose her children once more. To achieve this, she resorted to deception, a strategy that proved successful for a period of five years.

As a devoted follower, I’d like to point out a potential hiccup in the recent allegations: It appears James Reyes could potentially take legal action against her. Intriguingly, when law enforcement delved into this case, they conversed with him, substantiating his account of events.

As a devoted follower, I’d like to share that, according to my sources, Sherri allegedly fabricated accusations against Keith of mistreatment, persuading him to collaborate in orchestrating a hoax kidnapping. She even enlisted his aid in inflicting the injuries involved.

In that particular instance, he successfully passed a lie detector test for all questions posed to him. Similarly, Sherri undergoes the test in the latest documentary series, and although she manages to pass some of the questions, one suggests dishonesty on her part, while several others remain inconclusive.

In “Caught in the Lie,” former FBI Special Agent Peter French points out that James provided a statement that could be verified, making him appear more trustworthy compared to someone who has offered multiple inconsistent stories and remains unverifiable.

When you speak the truth, there are details and facts that support your story and make it consistent. However, when you fabricate stories, it can be challenging to verify or falsify them because they lack concrete evidence. This is just the nature of truth and falsehood, and it’s difficult to substantiate Sherri Papini’s claims.

For about four years, there were situations happening around her, but she never revealed that those incidents were due to her experiencing marital issues during that period.

When faced with Sherri’s accusations, James calmly says, “Ah, yes, I’m aware. I need to get in touch with my attorney based in California.

Is EMDR a legitimate therapy?

Although Self-Defeating Personality Disorder isn’t listed in the DSM-5, the therapy that Sherri reportedly received – Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) – is indeed a valid treatment option.

A person undergoing Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy must follow a particular eye movement pattern as they recall distressing memories. This process helps them manage the intense feelings and physical sensations linked to those memories.

Dr. Diggs states, ‘After five years, Sherri completed EMDR therapy, a duration I’d anticipate for someone aiming to heal from such trauma.’

The EMDR therapy proved effective. It successfully reduced and resolved her traumatic experiences to a significant degree. In my opinion, it was an excellent therapy that turned out to be essential for her recovery.

Watch “Sherri Papini: Entangled in Deception” on Max currently, and explore details about Sherri’s divorce lawyer Chase Kinney in written accounts. Keep up-to-date with true crime headlines by learning why Fred West required an appropriate adult, the latest sentencing developments for the Menendez brothers, and discovering where Molly Martens is situated at present.

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2025-05-30 14:19