Modelling Identity Disturbance: A Network Analysis of the Personality Structure Questionnaire (PSQ)

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Clinical Psychology
• Network Analysis

Background:

• Identity disturbance is highly relevant to personality disorder.
• The Personality Structure Questionnaire (PSQ) is a validated measure of identity disturbance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a network analysis of the PSQ.
• To explore the network structure of identity disturbance.
• To compare network structures across different cultural and clinical groups.

Main Methods:

• Network analysis of the PSQ using a multi-site, cross-national sample (N=1549).
• Comparison of jointly estimated networks across four subsamples: UK vs. Italy, adults vs. adolescents, clinical vs. community, and complex vs. common presenting problems.
• Stability analyses to assess network robustness.

Main Results:

• PSQ3 (unstable sense of self) and PSQ5 (mood variability) emerged as the most central items in the global network.
• Significant differences in network structures were observed between the UK and Italy.
• Item centrality remained largely consistent across subsamples.

Conclusions:

• The study provides evidence for the network structure of identity disturbance.
• Findings guide clinicians in targeting interventions for personality integration.
• Network analysis offers a valuable framework for understanding and treating identity disturbance.