TheAtlas personality, named after the story of theTitanAtlas fromGreek mythology who is forced to hold up the sky, is someone obliged to take on adult responsibilities prematurely. They are as a result liable to develop a pattern of compulsive caregiving in later life.
The Atlas personality is typically found in a person who felt obliged during childhood to take on responsibilities such as providing psychological support to parents, often in a chaotic family situation.[1] This experience often involvesparentification.[citation needed]
The result in adult life can be a personality devoid of fun, and feeling the weight of the world on their shoulders.[2]Depression andanxiety, as well as oversensitivity to others and an inability to assert their own needs, are further identifiable characteristics.[3] In addition, there may also be an underlying rage against the parents for not having provided love,[4] and for exploiting the child for their own needs.[5]
While Atlas personalities may appear to function adequately as adults, they may be pervaded with a sense of emptiness and be lacking in vitality.[6]