Higher-order dimensions of personality disorder: hierarchical structure and relationships with the five-factor model, the interpersonal circle, and psychopathy.
Two studies examined the higher-order factor structure of DSM-IV personality disorders using the International Personality Disorder Examination in male forensic psychiatric patients. In Study 1 (N = 168), exploratory factor analysis at the level of individual personality disorder criteria indicated nine primary factors. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses of these first-order factors supported a hierarchical structure in which two of three second-order factors covaried to yield a third-order factor. The two resulting superordinate factors were labelled Anxious-Inhibited and Acting Out. In Study 2 (N = 160), we used exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses to test hypotheses of common dimensions underlying these superordinate factors of personality disorder and superordinate factors of the five-factor model of personality, dimensions of the interpersonal circle, and psychopathy. Of three common factors, one combined Anxious-Inhibited disorders, "neurotic introversion," and hostile-submission. The other two factors of Acting Out/ psychopathy and antagonism/hostile-dominance covaried to yield a superordinate factor. Possible substrates underlying two superordinate dimensions common to normal and abnormal personality were identified in the theoretical literature.
Blackburn
Ronald
R
Division of Clinical Psychology, University of Liverpool, UK. ronb@liv.ac.uk
Logan
Caroline
C
Renwick
Stanley J D
SJ
Donnelly
John P
JP
D000328:Adult; D039721:Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders; D005163:Factor Analysis, Statistical; D005555:Forensic Psychiatry / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008960:Models, Psychological; D015588:Observer Variation; D010554:Personality Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis*; D010556:Personality Tests; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D006113:United Kingdom