Autonomy‐Connectedness and Internalizing‐Externalizing Personality Psychopathology, Among Outpatients. Issue 7 (20th December 2012)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bachrach, Nathan; Bekker, Marrie H. J.; Croon, Marcel A.
• Is Part Of: Journal of clinical psychology. Volume 69:Issue 7(2013:Jul.)
• Page Start: 718
• Page End: 726
• Publication Date: 2012-12-20
• Subjects: Psychology -- Periodicals; 616.89
• DOI: 10.1002/jclp.21940
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0021-9762

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main"> <title> <x xml:space="preserve">Abstract</x> </title> <sec id="jclp21940-sec-0010" sec-type="section"> <title>Objectives</title> <p>The aims of this research were to investigate gender differences in levels of autonomy‐connectedness, Axis I Psychopathology, and higher order factors of internalizing and externalizing personality psychopathology and, second, to investigate the association between these variables.</p> </sec> <sec id="jclp21940-sec-0020" sec-type="section"> <title>Design</title> <p>The design of this research is cross‐sectional and multicentered.</p> </sec> <sec id="jclp21940-sec-0030" sec-type="section"> <title>Methods</title> <p>We used self‐report questionnaires, factor analysis, and regression analysis.</p> </sec> <sec id="jclp21940-sec-0040" sec-type="section"> <title>Results</title> <p>We found evidence for a significant role of autonomy‐connectedness in Axis I Psychopathology. This was especially true for women, who were found to be more sensitive to others and sensitivity to others was strongly associated with Axis I Psychopathology. Maybe due to the research sample no evidence was found for an association of autonomy‐connectedness with externalizing psychopathology. As to the role of autonomy‐connectedness in internalizing psychopathology, we found that a lack of self‐awareness or a capacity of managing new situations, combined with a high sensitivity to others, were associated with internalizing psychopathology. Women appeared to be more sensitive to others and to report higher levels of Axis I Psychopathology than men.</p> </sec> <sec id="jclp21940-sec-0050" sec-type="section"> <title>Conclusion</title> <p>We conclude that autonomy‐connectedness plays an important role in Axis I Psychopathology as well as in internalizing Axis II pathology. Treatment of Axis I and internalizing Axis II psychopathology should therefore also focus on autonomy problems.</p> </sec> </abstract>