title: Personality prototypes in individuals with compulsive buying based on the Big Five Model.
abstract: Personality prototypes based on the Big Five factor model were investigated in a treatment-seeking sample of 68 individuals with compulsive buying (CB). Cluster analysis of the NEO Five-Factor Inventory (NEO-FFI) scales yielded two distinct personality clusters. Participants in cluster II scored significantly higher than those in cluster I on neuroticism and lower on the other four personality traits. Subjects in cluster II showed higher severity of CB, lower degree of control over CB symptoms, and were more anxious, interpersonally sensitive and impulsive. Furthermore, cluster II was characterized by higher rates of comorbid anxiety disorders, and cluster B personality disorders. The two personality prototypes did not differ with respect to obsessive-compulsive features. Finally and of considerable clinical significance, participants in cluster II reported lower remission rates after undergoing cognitive-behavioral therapy. Implications of the results for treatment are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital of Erlangen, Germany. astrid.mueller@uk-erlangen.de
authors.forename: Astrid
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Mueller
authors.forename: Laurence
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Claes
authors.forename: James E
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Mitchell
authors.forename: Steve A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Wonderlich
authors.forename: Ross D
authors.initials: RD
authors.lastname: Crosby
authors.forename: Martina
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: de Zwaan
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D016739:Behavior, Addictive / Q000145:classification / Q000150:complications / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D016000:Cluster Analysis; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; D003192:Compulsive Behavior / Q000145:classification / Q000150:complications / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy; D007174:Disruptive, Impulse Control, and Conduct Disorders / Q000145:classification / Q000150:complications / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008960:Models, Psychological; D010551:Personality / Q000145:classification*; D010554:Personality Disorders / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology; D010555:Personality Inventory; D011594:Psychometrics; D011615:Psychotherapy, Group; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult