Tunnel Vision: Understanding the Narrow Focus of Personality Disorders

Definition

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Tunnel Vision refers to the tendency to concentrate exclusively on one priority while neglecting or overlooking other significant responsibilities. This psychological condition mirrors the medical definition, where peripheral vision is lost, creating a narrow focus that can distort one’s perception of reality.

Narrowcasting Reality

In everyday life, our brains are equipped to multitask efficiently. During conversations, we can breathe, think, and respond simultaneously while absorbing cues like tone and body language. However, in crisis scenarios, our focus sharpens instinctively, allowing us to disregard irrelevant information and hone in on immediate threats. This heightened focus can lead to vivid memories of specific details during traumatic events, while other minor aspects fade away.

While this focused attention is beneficial in emergencies, it can become detrimental when it transforms into a habitual way of processing information. For individuals with Personality Disorders, tunnel vision often manifests as an obsession with specific concerns, ultimately compromising their well-being and that of those around them.

In “The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People,” Stephen Covey categorizes priorities into four quadrants, emphasizing that many individuals spend excessive time on urgent but unimportant tasks instead of focusing on what truly matters. People with Personality Disorders may slip into “crisis mode” even when no real emergency exists, often seen in conditions like Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) or Obsessive Compulsive Personality Disorder (OCPD). This leads to a fixation on single issues—such as cleanliness—while neglecting critical areas like social interactions and self-care.

What It Looks Like

  • A parent is so anxious about their child’s health that they prevent them from playing with peers.
  • A partner overspends on personal items to boost their self-esteem.
  • A person may sabotage a work project out of fear of losing recognition.
  • A mother becomes so engrossed in a relationship that she forgets to feed her children.
  • A man reacts violently when feeling disrespected.

How It Feels

Living or working alongside someone exhibiting tunnel vision can be unsettling. Their erratic and seemingly irrational behavior may leave others feeling insecure about their own needs. Those close to them may oscillate between anger and submission, struggling to communicate their own concerns effectively. As frustration mounts, they may resort to negative behaviors, including threats or manipulation.

Individuals with tunnel vision often experience irritability toward those who do not share their fixation. They may feel abandoned when loved ones fail to recognize their urgent needs, leading to incredulity when others express frustration over their actions.

What NOT to Do

  • Don’t assume others share your perspective; those with Personality Disorders may be trapped in overwhelming emotions.
  • Don’t interpret their treatment of you as a reflection of your actions.
  • Avoid engaging in circular arguments; state your viewpoint clearly and only once.
  • Resist the temptation to exhibit negative behaviors in response.
  • Don’t ignore legitimate threats or remain in harmful situations.
  • Never normalize abuse; confront it assertively without being confrontational.

What TO Do

  • Prioritize your safety by removing yourself from harmful environments.
  • Safeguard your resources, including finances and personal belongings.
  • Communicate the truth once and then allow for disagreement.
  • Seek support from those who understand and can help you process your feelings.
  • Offer validation to a degree, ensuring your safety remains paramount.

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