Using a general model of personality to understand sex differences in the personality disorders.
In the present study, a general model of personality was used to evaluate sex bias in the personality disorders (PD). This present study compared observed sex differences among the personality disorders (PD) with differences expected based on the Five Factor Model of personality functioning (FFM). Observed sex differences were obtained by metaanalyzing over 30 reports. Expected sex differences were computed using what is known about sex differences in the FFM traits and how these traits relate to the PDs. Agreement between observed and expected sex differences was quite good for eight of ten PDs. For histrionic PD, the obtained sex difference was larger than expected; for schizotypal personality disorder, an expected sex difference was not obtained. Implications of understanding sex differences in terms of the FFM are discussed and suggestions for future research are provided.
Lynam
Donald R
DR
Department of Psychological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907-2081, USA. dlynam@psych.purdue.edu
Widiger
Thomas A
TA
D002605:Character; D039721:Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008960:Models, Psychological; D010552:Personality Assessment / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D010554:Personality Disorders / Q000145:classification* / Q000175:diagnosis*; D011594:Psychometrics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012016:Reference Values; D012044:Regression Analysis; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012107:Research Design / Q000592:standards; D012737:Sex Factors