Negative emotionality across diagnostic models: RDoC, DSM-5 Section III, and FFM

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Psychology
• Mental Health Research

Background:

• The Research Domain Criteria (RDoC) were developed as an alternative framework to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5).
• Existing dimensional models of negative emotionality include the Five-Factor Model (FFM) neuroticism and DSM-5 Section III negative affectivity.
• Understanding negative emotionality is crucial for advancing psychiatric nosology and treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the alignment between RDoC negative valence and two other dimensional models: FFM neuroticism and DSM-5 Section III negative affectivity.
• To compare the coverage of these models regarding negative emotionality, specifically affective instability.
• To inform the potential integration and refinement of dimensional approaches in mental health research.

Main Methods:

• Adult community residents (N=90) undergoing mental health treatment participated.
• Self-report measures assessed RDoC negative valence, FFM neuroticism, and DSM-5 Section III negative affectivity.
• Measures of affective instability, borderline personality disorder, and functional impairment were also administered.

Main Results:

• RDoC negative valence demonstrated commensurate relationships with FFM neuroticism and DSM-5 Section III negative affectivity.
• The study identified affective instability as a key component of negative emotionality not fully captured by the current RDoC negative valence construct.
• Borderline personality disorder and impairment were associated with higher levels of negative valence and affective instability.

Conclusions:

• The RDoC negative valence construct shows significant overlap with established dimensional models of negative emotionality.
• Incorporating affective instability into the RDoC framework would enhance its utility and comprehensiveness.
• These findings support dimensional approaches to psychopathology and may guide future diagnostic and research efforts.