The Developmental Profile Inventory: Factor Structure and Preliminary Convergent Validity Evidence in a Norwegian...

We examined the factor structure and convergent validity of the Developmental Profile Inventory (DPI), a self-report assessing psychodynamic personality functioning. The DPI is based on the Developmental Profile model, which integrates psychodynamic theories into a hierarchical developmental framework conceptualizing personality functioning in nine adaptive and maladaptive developmental levels. Each level comprises the following three domains: self, interpersonal functioning, and problem-solving strategies. We used a Norwegian community sample consisting primarily of university and college students spanning a broad age range. Confirmatory factor analysis supported the structural validity of the Norwegian DPI: The nine-factor structure showed acceptable absolute fit and adequate factor loadings, with subthreshold incremental fit index, consistent with the results of the original Dutch validation study. Internal consistency was generally adequate. The scales demonstrated theoretically coherent convergent and discriminant validity, particularly in distinguishing maladaptive from adaptive personality functioning. The six maladaptive scales demonstrated strong to very strong associations with the DSM-5 alternative model of personality disorders (AMPD) Levels of Personality Functioning Scale. In contrast, the three adaptive DPI scales had only moderate associations with AMPD impairment in personality functioning but showed meaningful associations with other measures of adaptive functioning. Finally, the DPI scales demonstrated divergent validity relative to personality trait measures, supporting the contemporary distinction between personality functioning and dispositional personality traits. These findings provide preliminary evidence regarding the DPI's factor structure and relations with external measures.