The factor structure of the DSM-III-R personality disorders: an evaluation of competing models

Confirmatory factor analysis was used to test a series of competing models to determine the best way to characterize the factor structure of the DSM-III-R personality disorder scores. Data were collected from 301 clients with a primary diagnosis of anxiety disorder. The Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-III-R (SCID) was used to determine Axis I and Axis II diagnoses, and adequate to good reliability was obtained for the number of criteria met for a given personality disorder. Several factor models were tested, including a single-factor model, a three-factor model based on the DSM grouping of odd, dramatic, and anxious personality disorders, and a four-factor model based on normal personality theories. Only the DSM three-factor model received strong and unequivocal support.