Factor structure of self-reported clinical disorders and personality disorders: a review of the existing literature and a factor analytical study.

Abstract

OBJECTIVES:

The aim of this research is to add to the current understanding of the latent factor structure of personality disorders by performing a review of the existing literature (Study 1) and a factor analytical study on the factor structure and the relationship between self-reported Axis I and Axis II psychopathology (Study 2).

DESIGN:

The current research (Study 2) is cross-sectional and multicenter.

RESULTS:

We found support for the assumption that the borderline personality disorder is a multidimensional construct. Second, we found evidence for a single-factor structure of the narcissistic, dependent as well as the avoidant personality disorder. Third, we found support for the current Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition (DSM-IV) distinction between Axis I and Axis II, Axis I psychopathology being explained by the factor neuroticism and Axis II disorders to be further subdivided into the higher order factors of internalizing and externalizing pathology.

CONCLUSIONS:

An adaptation to the current DSM-IV borderline personality criteria should be made, while various findings show that the borderline construct is multidimensional. Second, deletion of the dependent and narcissistic personality in the DSM-V might be unjust. Third, Axis I psychopathology can be explained by the factor neuroticism, and Axis II disorders should be further subdivided into the higher order factors of internalizing and externalizing pathology.

• Authors: Nathan Bachrach, Marcel A Croon, Marrie H J Bekker
• Journal: Journal of clinical psychology (J Clin Psychol) Vol. 68 Issue 6 Pg. 645-60 (Jun 2012) ISSN: 1097-4679 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 22467345 (Publication Type: Comparative Study, Journal Article, Multicenter Study, Review)
• Copyright: © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Topics

• Adult
• Aged
• Aged, 80 and over
• Borderline Personality Disorder (classification, diagnosis)
• Dependent Personality Disorder (classification, diagnosis)
• Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders
• Female
• Humans
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Neurotic Disorders (classification, diagnosis)
• Personality Disorders (classification, diagnosis)
• Psychiatric Status Rating Scales (standards, statistics & numerical data)
• Young Adult