Through the framework of cognitive theory one could say that Krissy’s internal turmoil over leaving Dorian stemmed from a cognitive distortion that a wife was required to submit to her husband. Krissy’s development of this maladaptive thought process on the ideal relationship between husband and wife started in her early childhood. Linda Dynel stated that her grandfather asserted that women were designed to play the role of either the showpiece or servant. This explanation of a woman’s purpose conveys the message that women exists solely to submit to their husbands will. Krissy also faced cognitive deficits by limited exposure to healthy relationships by her parents. Throughout the novel, Krissy details her mother’s many fleeting relationships
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Krissy was exposed to limited mutually beneficial relationships prior to meeting Dorian. Dynel proposes that the relationship between Krissy and Lenore prohibited Krissy from “learning moderation, discretion, or self-respect” (p. 16). Lenore’s disregard for Krissy can be seen when Krissy tells Lenore that her boyfriend’s son Marcus has been sexual harassing her and Lenore responds by saying “He doesn’t like you! He’s in love with me! What in hell could he want with you? Don’t give yourself so much credit” (p. 57). Lenore’s jealously over Krissy’s sexuality is seen again when she tells Krissy “walking around half naked made her look like a slut” (p. 55). Krissy’s relationship with her mother established a model of relational behavior where Krissy is forced to accept verbal abuse in order to be provided with bare necessities such as food and shelter. This relational pattern is then reinforced and replicated with her relationship with …show more content…
Throughout Leaving Dorian Krissy searches for opportunities to care for others. In early adulthood, Krissy devotes herself to caring for the “the Boy Next Door”. After him, Krissy devotes herself to Dorian saying that she felt “good and useful” in the beginning of their relationship. Through a relational theory perspective one could argue that Krissy’s need to care for others encouraged her to remain in detrimental relationships in order to preserve the continuity of her interpersonal world. Krissy’s past experiences of abuse and neglect with Lenore as well as her desire to find someone to receive love established a relational pattern which fostered her abusive relationship with
Krissy was exposed to limited mutually beneficial relationships prior to meeting Dorian. Dynel proposes that the relationship between Krissy and Lenore prohibited Krissy from “learning moderation, discretion, or self-respect” (p. 16). Lenore’s disregard for Krissy can be seen when Krissy tells Lenore that her boyfriend’s son Marcus has been sexual harassing her and Lenore responds by saying “He doesn’t like you! He’s in love with me! What in hell could he want with you? Don’t give yourself so much credit” (p. 57). Lenore’s jealously over Krissy’s sexuality is seen again when she tells Krissy “walking around half naked made her look like a slut” (p. 55). Krissy’s relationship with her mother established a model of relational behavior where Krissy is forced to accept verbal abuse in order to be provided with bare necessities such as food and shelter. This relational pattern is then reinforced and replicated with her relationship with …show more content…
Throughout Leaving Dorian Krissy searches for opportunities to care for others. In early adulthood, Krissy devotes herself to caring for the “the Boy Next Door”. After him, Krissy devotes herself to Dorian saying that she felt “good and useful” in the beginning of their relationship. Through a relational theory perspective one could argue that Krissy’s need to care for others encouraged her to remain in detrimental relationships in order to preserve the continuity of her interpersonal world. Krissy’s past experiences of abuse and neglect with Lenore as well as her desire to find someone to receive love established a relational pattern which fostered her abusive relationship with