A socio-interpersonal approach to adjustment disorder: the example of involuntary job loss

Background: Adjustment disorder (AjD) was redefined for ICD-11 with core symptoms of preoccupation with a stressor and failure to adapt. The socio-interpersonal framework model for stress-response syndromes suggests that interpersonal factors, besides intrapersonal processes, substantially contribute to the development of AjD. Objective: The current study aimed to identify predictive factors in the development of AjD symptoms by the application of a framework model for stress-response syndromes. Method: N = 321 recently laid-off participants (47.7% female) were assessed with a newly developed standardized clinical diagnostic interview section on ICD-11 AjD. Self-report questionnaires measured AjD symptom severity, and interpersonal and intrapersonal predictors. Path analysis was used to model the associations between AjD symptom severity and the predictor variables. We conducted logistic regression to identify associated characteristics of diagnostic status. Results: AjD symptoms were highly prevalent and 25.6% of participants met the diagnostic criteria. Higher loneliness, higher dysfunctional disclosure, and lower self-efficacy were associated with both higher symptom severity and higher likelihood of meeting the diagnostic criteria for AjD. Higher perceived social support was associated with higher likelihood for AjD diagnosis. Conclusions: Research on risk factors for AjD is still sparse. This study provided empirical evidence on the role of interpersonal factors supporting the socio-interpersonal model for stress-response syndromes.