title: A dimensional approach to assessing personality functioning: examining personality trait domains utilizing DSM-IV personality disorder criteria.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  This study compared a dimensional, trait domain approach to characterizing personality pathology with the traditional polythetic approach with respect to their associations with interpersonal functioning and personality traits from the five factor model.
  
  
  METHODS
  Psychiatric inpatients (N=1476) were administered the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Axis II personality disorders. Dimensional representations of trait domains were derived from reorganizing DSM-IV criteria into personality trait domains from DSM-5 Alternative Model. Dimensional scores and personality disorder (PD) total criterion scores served as independent variables in predicting interpersonal profile clusters, as well as extraversion, agreeableness conscientiousness, neuroticism and openness from the five factor model traits.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Trait domain scores and PD criteria totals were significantly correlated with submissive interpersonal style yet none proved significant in regression analyses. Avoidant and borderline PD total criteria were negatively associated with a normative interpersonal style. Combined trait domain of detachment and avoidant PD total criteria predicted a hostile/withdrawn interpersonal style. The trait domain of detachment was negatively associated with five factor traits of extroversion, whereas borderline PD total criteria were negatively associated with conscientiousness. Avoidant and borderline PD total criteria were positively associated with neuroticism.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The cross-cutting dimensional approach provided useful information in predicting a hostile/withdrawn interpersonal style as well as extroversion. Importantly, PD criterion scores and dimensional trait scores combined to predict this interpersonal style providing support to the alternative model of personality diagnosis in DSM-5. Clinicians are encouraged to assess dimensions of personality traits as these are related to interpersonal problems frequently encountered in psychiatric settings. While potentially useful, the dimensional approach articulated here did not yield substantial prediction of behavior.
authors.affiliation: The Menninger Clinic, 12301 Main Street, Houston, TX 77035, USA; Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Christopher Fowler
authors.affiliation: The Menninger Clinic, 12301 Main Street, Houston, TX 77035, USA; Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA; University of Houston, 1 Main Street, Houston, TX 77002, USA.
authors.forename: Carla
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Sharp
authors.affiliation: The Menninger Clinic, 12301 Main Street, Houston, TX 77035, USA; University of Houston, 1 Main Street, Houston, TX 77002, USA.
authors.forename: Allison
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Kalpakci
authors.affiliation: The Menninger Clinic, 12301 Main Street, Houston, TX 77035, USA; Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
authors.forename: Alok
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Madan
authors.affiliation: University of Wyoming, 1000 E. University Ave., Laramie, WY 82071, USA.
authors.forename: Joshua
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Clapp
authors.affiliation: The Menninger Clinic, 12301 Main Street, Houston, TX 77035, USA; Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
authors.forename: Jon G
authors.initials: JG
authors.lastname: Allen
authors.affiliation: The Menninger Clinic, 12301 Main Street, Houston, TX 77035, USA; Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA; University of Hawaii, 200 West Kawili St., Hilo, HI 96720, USA.
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Christopher Frueh
authors.affiliation: The Menninger Clinic, 12301 Main Street, Houston, TX 77035, USA; Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
authors.forename: John M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Oldham
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001883:Borderline Personality Disorder / Q000523:psychology; D039721:Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders; D005120:Extraversion, Psychological; D005163:Factor Analysis, Statistical; D005260:Female; D006791:Hostility; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008297:Male; D009497:Neurotic Disorders / Q000523:psychology; D010551:Personality; D010554:Personality Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology*; D010556:Personality Tests; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales