Coping styles predict change in personality disorders.
The present follow-up study is the first to investigate whether dispositional coping styles prospectively influence change in the Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory (MCMI-II) personality disorders. The sample consisted of 155 psychiatric outpatients who where investigated twice--namely six and seven years after their admission to the clinic. Coping styles prospectively predicted change in most of the MCMI-II personality disorders, whereas sex and age did not affect the outcome. The use of problem-focused coping and the seeking of social support improved the patient levels on the MCMI-II personality disorder scores. Dysfunctional coping styles such as selfdistraction, disengagement, use of alcohol or drugs, and venting of emotions, however, aggravated the patient MCMI-II personality disorders. Furthermore, the effects of coping patterns tended to be specific for single personality disorders.
Department of Social Psychology, University of Zurich, Switzerland.
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M
Vollrath
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Alnaes
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Torgersen
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D010554:Personality Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology; D011379:Prognosis; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D011581:Psychological Tests; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires