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Personality disorder symptoms in adolescence: a five-factor model perspective
Barbara De Clercq1, Filip De Fruyt
1Department of Psychology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium. BarbaraJ.DeClercq@ugent.be
Journal of Personality Disorders
|October 3, 2003
Summary
The five-factor model (FFM) effectively describes adult personality, and this study shows its structure also applies to adolescent personality pathology and disorder symptoms. This suggests personality traits are consistent across development.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Developmental Psychology
- Personality Psychology
Background:
- The five-factor model (FFM) is a well-established framework for understanding adult personality functioning.
- Limited research exists on the developmental origins and structure of personality pathology in adolescents.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the validity of DSM-IV personality disorder predictions in non-clinical adolescents.
- To explore the predictive utility of FFM facet variances for adolescent personality disorder symptoms.
Main Methods:
- Examined 419 non-clinical adolescents using the NEO Personality Inventory-Revised (NEO PI-R) and the Adolescent Diagnostic Interview-IV (ADP-IV).
- Assessed the correlation and regression patterns between FFM facet variances and disorder symptoms.
Main Results:
- Found largely similar correlation and regression patterns between adult and adolescent data.
- Demonstrated that FFM facet variances predict adolescent personality disorder symptoms.
Conclusions:
- The FFM trait-descriptive system for adaptive and maladaptive functioning is valid across a broader developmental span than previously shown.
- Supports the application of the FFM in understanding personality development and psychopathology from adolescence onward.