Cluster A maladaptive personality patterns in a non-clinical adolescent population

Area of Science:

• Adolescent psychology
• Clinical psychology
• Psychopathology

Background:

• Cluster A personality disorders lack comprehensive analysis in adolescents.
• Understanding adolescent personality development is crucial for early intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence of Cluster A traits and maladaptive personality patterns in adolescents.
• To investigate the dimensional structure of these traits.
• To examine the influence of sex and age on their expression.

Main Methods:

• A sample of 1,443 adolescents (mean age 15.9 years) was assessed.
• The Personality Diagnostic Questionnaire-4+ (PDQ-4+) was utilized for data collection.

Main Results:

• 13.1% of adolescents reported Cluster A maladaptive personality patterns.
• Two factors emerged: Paranoid and Schizotypal-Schizoid.
• Males scored higher on schizotypal and schizoid traits compared to females.

Conclusions:

• Findings enhance understanding of Cluster A traits in adolescents.
• Early detection of adolescents at risk for personality disorders is advanced.