The behavior you described, where individuals copy other people's behaviors, work, words, and personalities, is known as "mirroring" or "mimicking." While it's not a mental disorder in itself, it can be associated with various mental health conditions or personality traits. Some of the conditions and traits that might lead to mirroring behaviors include:
Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD): People with BPD often struggle with unstable self-identity and may have a tendency to adopt the behaviors and personalities of those around them as a way to fit in and avoid feelings of emptiness.
Dependent Personality Disorder: Individuals with dependent personality traits may engage in mirroring behaviors as a means of seeking approval and avoiding rejection from others.
Social Anxiety Disorder: People with social anxiety may mimic others to blend in and reduce the likelihood of drawing attention to themselves.
Codependency: Codependent individuals tend to prioritize others' needs over their own and may imitate the behaviors and preferences of their loved ones to maintain their relationships.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): Some individuals with ASD may exhibit mirroring behaviors as part of their social communication difficulties.
Schizophrenia: In some cases, individuals with schizophrenia may exhibit mirroring behaviors as a result of difficulties in social cognition and processing social cues.
Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID): People with DID may have multiple identities (alters) that can take on different behaviors and personalities.
It's important to note that mirroring behaviors can also be observed in individuals without mental health conditions. In some cases, people may mimic others as a form of flattery or admiration, as a way to build rapport or connection, or to be more socially accepted.
However, if mirroring behaviors significantly interfere with an individual's ability to function or lead to distress, it may be worth seeking the help of a mental health professional for further evaluation and support. A comprehensive assessment can help determine if there are any underlying mental health conditions contributing to the mirroring behaviors and guide appropriate treatment strategies.