Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 26, 2026
09:55
Use of a Psychophysiological Script-driven Imagery Experiment to Study Trauma-related Dissociation in Borderline Personality Disorder
Published on: March 8, 2018
Integrating a developmental perspective in dimensional models of personality disorders
Barbara De Clercq1, Filip De Fruyt, Thomas A Widiger
1Department of Developmental, Personality and Social Psychology, Ghent University, Belgium. BarbaraJ.DeClercq@ugent.be
Clinical Psychology Review
|January 27, 2009
Summary
Childhood personality pathology can be identified early. This study proposes a dimensional model for childhood trait pathology, aiding understanding of adult personality disorders (PD) across the lifespan.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Developmental Psychology
- Personality Psychology
Background:
- Growing evidence suggests personality pathology manifests in early life.
- Current diagnostic systems inadequately recognize childhood antecedents of adult personality disorders (PD).
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose a dimensional model for describing child and adolescent trait pathology.
- To enhance the recognition of childhood antecedents of adult personality disorders (PD).
Main Methods:
- Conceptualizing personality disorders as extreme Five-Factor Model (FFM) personality traits.
- Proposing the Dimensional Personality Symptom Itempool (DIPSI) as an age-specific model for child and adolescent trait pathology.
Main Results:
- The proposed dimensional perspective facilitates recognition of childhood PD antecedents.
- The DIPSI model offers a comprehensive conceptualization of childhood trait pathology.
Conclusions:
- The DIPSI model may improve understanding of the developmental course of personality disorders (PD).
- Further elaboration on a life-span perspective for personality disorders is warranted.
Related Concept Videos
01:29Theoretical Approaches to Psychological Disorder
The development of psychological disorders, which are characterized by deviant, maladaptive, and personally distressing behaviors, has been explored through several theoretical approaches.
Biological approach
The biological approach posits that internal, organic factors are the primary causes of such disorders. This perspective emphasizes brain structure and function, genetic predispositions, and neurotransmitter imbalances. For example, schizophrenia has been associated with both genetic...
Biological approach
The biological approach posits that internal, organic factors are the primary causes of such disorders. This perspective emphasizes brain structure and function, genetic predispositions, and neurotransmitter imbalances. For example, schizophrenia has been associated with both genetic...
01:27Psychodynamic Perspectives on Personality
The psychodynamic perspective in psychology asserts that most personality functions operate unconsciously, outside of awareness. This means that the motives and emotions driving behavior often remain hidden, automatically buried in the unconscious mind as a defense mechanism to shield us from psychological distress. According to this theory, the unconscious mind contains thoughts, memories, and emotions that are too disturbing to face directly.
Psychodynamic theorists argue that unconscious...
Psychodynamic theorists argue that unconscious...
01:29Introduction to Personality Psychology
Personality encompasses a set of enduring traits and behavioral patterns that define how individuals think, feel, and interact, ultimately shaping their unique identities. The concept of personality has deep historical roots, deriving from the Latin term "persona," which means "mask." This term initially referred to the roles played by actors in ancient theater, signifying the different facets individuals display in various contexts.
Early Theories of Personality
The study of personality dates...
Early Theories of Personality
The study of personality dates...
01:22Personality Disorders: Paranoid and Schizoid
Personality disorders represent enduring cognition, affect, and behavior patterns that significantly deviate from societal norms. These maladaptive traits often lead to difficulties in various domains, including interpersonal relationships, occupational settings, and overall psychological well-being. Paranoid personality disorder and schizoid personality disorder are two distinct conditions marked by odd or eccentric behavior.
Paranoid Personality Disorder
Paranoid personality disorder is...
Paranoid Personality Disorder
Paranoid personality disorder is...
01:26Modeling in Therapy
Modeling, a key technique in therapy, uses observational learning to help clients acquire and practice new skills by watching therapists demonstrate desired behaviors. This approach, rooted in Albert Bandura's concept of vicarious learning, plays a significant role in therapeutic interventions for various psychological conditions, including social anxiety, ADHD, and depression.
Participant Modeling
Participant modeling involves therapists demonstrating calm and effective behaviors in situations...
Participant Modeling
Participant modeling involves therapists demonstrating calm and effective behaviors in situations...
01:29Psychodynamic Therapy
Psychodynamic therapies emphasize the exploration of unconscious processes and early childhood experiences as fundamental contributors to psychological difficulties. These therapies, deeply rooted in Freud's psychoanalytic theory, aim to uncover and resolve unconscious conflicts, granting individuals insights that promote emotional and behavioral healing. Contemporary psychodynamic approaches have evolved, integrating a broader range of influences and methodologies while still valuing the...