DSM-5 Functional Framework: Structure and Psychopathological Correlates of the DSM-5 Levels of Functioning...

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry and Clinical Psychology
• Personality Psychology
• Psychometrics

Background:

• Interest in Level of Personality Functioning (LPF) is increasing, crucial for understanding personality disorders.
• The DSM-5 Levels of Functioning Questionnaire-Short Form (DLOPFQ-SF) is a key measure for LPF.
• Research on DLOPFQ-SF in diverse populations is needed to confirm its validity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the internal structure of the DLOPFQ-SF in an Italian nonclinical sample.
• To assess the psychopathological correlates of DLOPFQ-SF using the Hierarchical Taxonomy of Psychopathology (HiTOP).
• To evaluate the DLOPFQ-SF's relationship with positive adjustment.

Main Methods:

• Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were used to determine the DLOPFQ-SF's factor structure.
• Structural equation modeling (SEM) analyzed the links between DLOPFQ-SF dimensions, HiTOP dimensions, and positive adjustment.
• A sample of 1183 Italian adults completed self-report measures, including the DLOPFQ-SF.

Main Results:

• Factor analyses revealed a three-factor structure for the DLOPFQ-SF: Identity, Empathy, and Intimacy.
• SEM indicated that higher LPF scores were associated with increased psychopathology and reduced well-being.
• Specific links between DLOPFQ-SF subscales and distinct psychopathological outcomes supported its construct validity.

Conclusions:

• The DLOPFQ-SF, even without the Self-Direction scale, effectively captures key aspects of LPF.
• The findings support the DLOPFQ-SF's utility in assessing personality functioning within a dimensional psychopathology model.
• The study reinforces the relevance of LPF in understanding personality and its relation to psychopathology.