Symptoms of prototypic patients with passive-aggressive personality disorder: DSM-IIIR versus DSM-IV negativistic.
This study examined features of patients that clinicians identified as good examples of Passive-Aggressive Personality Disorder to identify core features of the disorder and to determine which set of criteria (DSM-III-R, two definitions in the DSM-IV Options Book, or DSM-IV Negativistic) best characterized the identified patients. A national sample of licensed psychologists (N = 68) identified a patient who (based on symptoms) was a good example of Passive-Aggressive Personality Disorder. They then rated the patient on a symptom checklist composed of the Passive-Aggressive and Negativistic criteria, as well as other personality-disorder symptoms that overlap with Passive-Aggressive. Clinicians identified patients they considered exemplars for Passive-Aggressive Personality Disorder, and there was moderate consensus about their characteristic symptoms. DSM-III-R symptoms received the highest ratings, and there was little overlap with other personality disorders. Principal-component factor analysis suggested that a general pattern of passive resistance, along with a behavioral manifestation of procrastination and a second group of symptoms suggesting interpersonal difficulties, were the features of these passive-aggressive patients. More male patients were identified as good examples of the disorder, and female patients presented a more heterogeneous diagnostic picture. Implications and directions for future research are discussed, including the need to integrate research findings from the differing perspectives on personality disorders.
Department of Psychology, Indiana State University, Terre Haute 47809, USA.
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Sprock
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Hunsucker
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010324:Passive-Aggressive Personality Disorder / Q000145:classification* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology