Personality pathology as a risk factor for negative health perception

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Epidemiology
• Gerontology

Background:

• Self-perception of health is linked to physical health outcomes and mortality.
• Personality is a known factor influencing health perceptions.
• Limited research exists on the impact of personality pathology on perceived health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the unique effects of personality pathology on health perceptions.
• To determine if personality pathology influences perceived health beyond objective health and normal personality factors.

Main Methods:

• Utilized data from a longitudinal study of 697 St. Louis residents (ages 55-64).
• Assessed health perceptions, chronic illnesses, and physical functioning using the Diagnostic Interview Schedule and Health Status Inventory.
• Measured personality traits with the revised NEO Personality Inventory and personality disorders with the Structured Interview for DSM-IV Personality.

Main Results:

• Number of physical illnesses, physical functioning, normal personality traits, and personality disorders each independently predicted self-perception of health.
• Personality disorders uniquely predicted health perception, independent of objective health and normal personality variables.

Conclusions:

• Personality pathology plays a significant role in understanding perceived health.
• Specific patterns of personality pathology may be particularly detrimental to subjective health perceptions.