The Associations Between Identity Pathology and Interpersonal Problems

This study investigated relations between identity pathology and specific interpersonal problems as conceptualized by the interpersonal circumplex (IPC) model. While the Alternative Model for Personality Disorders (AMPD) and existing research suggest a close link between identity pathology and interpersonal problems broadly, little research has examined associations between identity pathology and specific interpersonal problems. A general sample of N = 195 university students completed selfreport measures assessing identity diffusion and interpersonal problems. Identity diffusion was positively correlated with all interpersonal problem subscales, and especially strongly with Self-Sacrificing, followed by Nonassertive and Exploitable/Overly Accommodating problems. Structural summary method (SSM) analysis for circumplex data showed identity diffusion projected into the warm-submissive area of the IPC. These findings empirically examine existing theory connecting Criterion A to the IPC model and build knowledge on the specific connections between identity and interpersonal impairment in personality pathology.