Clearer Thinking with Spencer Greenberg cover image

Clearer Thinking with Spencer Greenberg

Mothers who harm their children for attention (with Andrea Dunlop)

Sep 20, 2023
01:20:07
Snipd AI
Andrea Dunlop, an expert on Munchausen syndrome and Munchausen by Proxy, discusses the motivations behind individuals who pretend to be sick or hurt themselves for attention. She also explores the intentional harm parents inflict on their children for attention and the complexity of recognizing such behavior. The podcast delves into personal experiences, investigations, deceit, and the psychological toll of holding someone accountable for their lies. It also reflects on the concept of falling in love with someone who doesn't actually exist and the dark side of attention-seeking.
Read more

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Munchausen syndrome involves intentionally exaggerating or inflicting illness for attention and sympathy.
  • Munchausen by proxy is characterized by fabricating or inducing illness in someone they care for to receive attention.

Deep dives

Munchausen Syndrome: Exaggerating Illness for Attention

Munchausen syndrome, also known as factitious disorder, involves a person intentionally exaggerating, preventing, or inflicting illness upon themselves to gain sympathy and attention. This behavior can be seen as an extreme version of seeking care and attention that many people can relate to. It is important to note that Munchausen syndrome can involve both completely fabricated illnesses or exaggerations of underlying conditions. The main driving force behind this behavior is the intrinsic reward of receiving attention and sympathy.

Get the Snipd
podcast app

Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
App store bannerPlay store banner

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode

Save any
moment

Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways

Share
& Export

Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode