Attention seeking

Enjoying the attention of others is quite socially acceptable. In some instances, however, the need for attention can lead to difficulties. The term attention seeking (or attention-seeking) is generally reserved for such situations where excessive and "inappropriate attention seeking" is seen.^[1]

Contents 1 Styles 2 In different pathologies or contexts 3 Tactical ignoring 4 See also 5 References 6 Further reading 7 External links

Styles

The following styles of attention seeking have been identified:^[2]

• Extroverted positive overt style – associated with narcissism, bragging and boasting. May also include shocking exhibitionist behavior such as streaking.
• Extroverted positive subdued style – similar but more subtle such as wearing designer clothes, wearing sexy clothes or dominating the conversation.
• Extroverted negative overt style – to gain pity and reassurance.
• Extroverted negative subdued style – making a negative statement to the world by, for example, dressing in an unusual style.

In different pathologies or contexts

• Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder
• Münchausen by Internet
• Münchausen syndrome
• Münchausen syndrome by proxy
• Personality disorders – A sustained pattern of attention seeking in adults is often associated with, in particular, histrionic personality disorder – but it may instead be associated with narcissistic personality disorder or borderline personality disorder.^[3] The expression drama queen is associated with histrionic behavior.
• Self-destructive behavior – It is a common misconception that self-destructive behavior is inherently attention seeking, or at least that attention is a primary motive. While this is undoubtedly true in some cases, normally the motivation runs much deeper than that. Many self-injurers are very self-conscious of their wounds and scars and feel guilty about their behavior leading them to go to great lengths to conceal their behavior from others.^[4]
• Voluntary false confession

Tactical ignoring

Tactical ignoring, also known as planned ignoring, is a behavioral management strategy used in response to challenging behavior that seeks to receive attention or to gain a reaction from others. It is a commonly used strategy when the person displaying the attention seeking behavior still feels rewarded by a negative response.

See also

• Exaggeration
• Victim playing
• Trolling

References

Further reading

• Gewirtz, Jacob L Three determinants of attention-seeking in young children (1956)
• Gewirtz, Jacob L A factor analysis of some attention-seeking behaviors of young children Child Development (1956)
• Harvey, Eric & Mellor, Nigel Helping Parents Deal With Attention Seeking Behaviour (2009)
• Leit, Lisa & Jacobvitz, Deborah & Hazen-Swann, Nancy Conversational Narcissism in Marriage: Narcissistic attention seeking behaviors in face-to-face interactions: Implications for marital stability and partner mental health (2008)
• Mellor, Nigel Attention Seeking: A Practical Solution for the Classroom (1997)
• Mellor, Nigel The Good, the Bad and the Irritating: A Practical Approach for Parents of Children who are Attention Seeking (2000)
• Mellor, Nigel Attention Seeking: A Complete Guide for Teachers (2008)
• Smith-Martenz, Arden Attention-seeking misbehaviors (1990)

External links

• Hysteria, Drama Majors and Drama Queens
• Attention-seeking personality disorders