Self-report methodology is insufficient for improving the assessment and classification of Axis II personality disorders.
Current approaches to the assessment and classification of personality disorders (PDs) rely almost exclusively on self-report methodology. In this paper, we document the many difficulties with self-reports, including limitations in their accuracy, the confounding effect of mood state, and problems with the selection and retention of factors in factor analytic approaches to self-report questionnaires. We also discuss the role of implicit processes in self-reports, with special attention directed to the phenomenon of priming and its effect on outcome. To rectify these issues, we suggest a transtheoretical, multimethod, multimodal approach to personality pathology assessment and diagnosis, which utilizes the richness of prototypes and empirical findings on PD categories and pathologies.
Department of Psychology, Eastern Michigan University, 302 King Hall, Ypsilanti, MI 48197, USA. shuprich@emich.edu
Steven K
SK
Huprich
Robert F
RF
Bornstein
Thomas A
TA
Schmitt
D039721:Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders; D006801:Humans; D010552:Personality Assessment / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D010554:Personality Disorders / Q000145:classification / Q000175:diagnosis*; D011594:Psychometrics; D057566:Self Report