Using Multiple Methods to Evaluate Associations Among Externalizing Psychopathology, Personality, and Relationship...

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Clinical Psychology
• Relationship Science

Background:

• Externalizing psychopathology and personality traits are linked to relationship functioning.
• Previous research utilized symptom count measures to assess psychopathology's impact on relationships.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the associations between externalizing psychopathology, personality, and relationship quality in couples.
• To compare the predictive power of dimensional versus symptom count measures of psychopathology on relationship adjustment.

Main Methods:

• Assessed personality and psychopathology using dimensional measures in 794 couples.
• Collected relationship quality data via self-report and observer ratings of videotaped interactions.

Main Results:

• Higher externalizing psychopathology significantly predicted lower relationship adjustment, independent of personality traits.
• Dimensional measures of externalizing psychopathology demonstrated stronger associations with relationship adjustment than symptom count measures.

Conclusions:

• Replication and extension studies are crucial for understanding psychopathology and relationships.
• Dimensional measures of psychopathology provide more robust associations with relationship adjustment.
• Multimethod assessment enhances confidence in findings regarding personality pathology and romantic relationships.