Cluster B maladaptive personality traits in Spanish adolescents.
BACKGROUND
The prevalence and expression of Cluster B personality disorders during adolescence have been poorly analyzed. The main aim of this research was to analyze the rate of Cluster B maladaptive personality traits in Spanish adolescents. We also examined dimensional structure underlying the influence of sex and age in its phenotypic expression, was also examined.


METHODS
The sample consisted of a total of 1440 participants (Mean=15.9 years, SD=1.2). The self-reporting questionnaire used was the Personality Diagnostic Questionnaire-4 + (PDQ-4 +).


RESULTS
Maladaptative «dramatic» or «erratic» personality traits are common among adolescents, particularly antisocial and borderline facets. Using the PDQ-4+ cut-off points, 20.3% of the sample submitted had a Cluster B personality disorder. The analysis of the internal structure of the Cluster B items of the PDQ-4 + yielded a factorial solution centred on three interrelated factors, including: Antisocial, Borderline and Histrionic/Narcissistic. There were differences by gender in the subscales of Cluster B, but not in function of age.


CONCLUSIONS
These data yield new insights that improve the understanding of the Cluster B personality disorders and traits in this sector of the population. Future studies should use measurement tools that take into account the concern, conviction and distress associated with such experiences.
Departamento de Ciencias de la Educación, Universidad de La Rioja, Logroño, España. eduardo.fonseca@unirioja.es
Eduardo
E
Fonseca-Pedrero
Mercedes
M
Paino
Serafín
S
Lemos-Giráldez
José
J
Muñiz
D000293:Adolescent; D017668:Age of Onset; D000987:Antisocial Personality Disorder / Q000453:epidemiology; D001883:Borderline Personality Disorder / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D006677:Histrionic Personality Disorder / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010554:Personality Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology*; D010555:Personality Inventory; D015995:Prevalence; D000297:Psychology, Adolescent; D012737:Sex Factors; D013030:Spain / Q000453:epidemiology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires