DSM-5 alternative model of personality disorder: testing the trait perspective captured in Criterion B. (June 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Miller, Joshua D; Sleep, Chelsea; Lynam, Donald R
• Is Part Of: Current opinion in psychology. Volume 21(2018)
• Page Start: 50
• Page End: 54
• Publication Date: 2018-06
• Subjects: Psychology -- Periodicals; 150.5
• DOI: 10.1016/j.copsyc.2017.09.012
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2352-250X

Abstract

Highlights: Inclusion of personality traits in DSM-5 important step forward. Traits overlap with those found in popular general personality models. Traits capture substantial variance in traditional PD diagnostic constructs. Traits overlap significantly with personality impairment included as Criterion A. Traits demonstrate much greater incremental validity than the dysfunction criteria. Abstract : We review the trait model (i.e., Criterion B) included as a central piece of the alternative model of personality disorder (PD) included in DSM-5. The pathological traits are organized into five domains with 25 facets that overlap substantially with basic personality models (e.g., five-factor model). These PD traits can be reliably assessed using a variety of measures; however, questions of poor discriminant validity have been raised. Concerns were raised that this model would result in the loss of clinically meaningful constructs (e.g., borderline personality disorder) but the empirical literature suggests that the traits can faithfully and adequately assess traditional PD constructs. Although personality dysfunction and pathological traits are required for this alternative model, impairment and traits largely overlap with only the latter demonstrating substantial and consistent incremental validity.