Five-factor model of personality disorder: a proposal for DSM-V

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Psychiatry
• Personality Science

Background:

• The five-factor model (FFM) is the predominant dimensional model of general personality structure.
• Personality disorders in diagnostic manuals can be conceptualized as maladaptive expressions of FFM domains and facets.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose a classification of personality disorders from the perspective of the FFM.
• To discuss implications and issues related to an FFM-based personality disorder classification.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature integrating the FFM with personality disorder research.
• Conceptual proposal for an FFM-based classification system.

Main Results:

• The FFM provides a viable framework for understanding and potentially reclassifying personality disorders.
• Key issues for integration include psychiatric nomenclature alignment, openness to experience, problems in living, diagnostic thresholds, and clinical utility.

Conclusions:

• An FFM-based approach offers a more dimensional and integrated perspective on personality disorders.
• Further research and discussion are needed to refine the clinical utility and feasibility of an FFM classification.