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.
Sprock
J
J
Department of Psychology, Indiana State University, Terre Haute 47809, USA.
Hunsucker
L
L
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010324:Passive-Aggressive Personality Disorder / Q000145:classification* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology