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Five-factor model assessment of personality disorder
Thomas A Widiger1, Jennifer Ruth Lowe
1Department of Psychology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40506-0044, USA. widiger@uky.edu
Journal of Personality Assessment
|July 3, 2007
Summary
The Five-factor model (FFM) offers a dimensional approach to personality disorder assessment, overcoming limitations of categorical systems. This model enhances understanding of normal and abnormal personality functioning using basic science research.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Psychiatry
Background:
- The categorical diagnostic system for personality disorders has limitations.
- The Five-factor model (FFM) offers a dimensional alternative for personality assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the FFM as a dimensional model for personality disorder assessment.
- To discuss alternative assessment instruments from the FFM perspective.
- To present a method for diagnosing personality disorders using the FFM.
Main Methods:
- Review of three personality disorder assessment instruments.
- Application of the FFM to personality disorder diagnosis.
- Case study illustration.
Main Results:
- The FFM provides a precise and comprehensive description of personality functioning.
- FFM avoids limitations inherent in categorical diagnostic systems.
- FFM integrates basic science research on personality structure.
Conclusions:
- The FFM is a viable dimensional model for assessing personality disorders.
- The FFM enhances clinical understanding and description of personality disorders.
- The FFM-based diagnostic method is illustrated effectively through a case study.
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