Showing papers in "Personality and Mental Health in 2018"

The time has come for dimensional personality disorder diagnosis

Abstract: Author(s): Hopwood, Christopher J; Kotov, Roman; Krueger, Robert F; Watson, David; Widiger, Thomas A; Althoff, Robert R; Ansell, Emily B; Bach, Bo; Michael Bagby, R; Blais, Mark A; Bornovalova, Marina A; Chmielewski, Michael; Cicero, David C; Conway, Christopher; De Clercq, Barbara; De Fruyt, Filip; Docherty, Anna R; Eaton, Nicholas R; Edens, John F; Forbes, Miriam K; Forbush, Kelsie T; Hengartner, Michael P; Ivanova, Masha Y; Leising, Daniel; John Livesley, W; Lukowitsky, Mark R; Lynam, Donald R; Markon, Kristian E; Miller, Joshua D; Morey, Leslie C; Mullins-Sweatt, Stephanie N; Hans Ormel, J; Patrick, Christopher J; Pincus, Aaron L; Ruggero, Camilo; Samuel, Douglas B; Sellbom, Martin; Slade, Tim; Tackett, Jennifer L; Thomas, Katherine M; Trull, Timothy J; Vachon, David D; Waldman, Irwin D; Waszczuk, Monika A; Waugh, Mark H; Wright, Aidan GC; Yalch, Mathew M; Zald, David H; Zimmermann, Johannes

A framework for treating DSM‐5 alternative model for personality disorder features

Abstract: Despite its demonstrated empirical superiority over the DSM-5 Section 2 categorical model of personality disorders for organizing the features of personality pathology, limitations remain with regard to the translation of the DSM-5 Section 3 alternative model of personality disorders (AMPD) to clinical practice. The goal of this paper is to outline a general and preliminary framework for approaching treatment from the perspective of the AMPD. Specific techniques are discussed for the assessment and treatment of both Criterion A personality dysfunction and Criterion B maladaptive traits. A concise and step-by-step model is presented for clinical decision making with the AMPD, in the hopes of offering clinicians a framework for treating personality pathology and promoting further research on the clinical utility of the AMPD. Copyright © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Structure of DSM-5 and ICD-11 personality domains in Iranian community sample.

Abstract: Aim Personality disorders (PD) have been deemed the most problematic diagnostic grouping in terms of validity and utility, which particularly applies to non-Western societies. The current study evaluated the structural validity of PD trait domains in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-5 (DSM-5) Section III and the proposed International Classification of Diseases-11 (ICD-11) in the Iranian population. Methods Community-dwelling adults (n = 285; 66% women) were administered the Personality Inventory for DSM-5, whereas the proposed ICD-11 trait domains were delineated using an algorithm for Personality Inventory for DSM-5 trait facets. The five-factor organization and higher-order hierarchical structure of both models were examined using exploratory structural equation modelling analyses. Results The five-factor exploratory structural equation modelling loadings overall resembled international findings on DSM-5 Section III traits (including Psychoticism), whereas the ICD-11 five-factor structure aligned with the proposed ICD-11 domain features (including Anankastia). Additionally, we identified a hierarchical structure from one to five factors for both models that conceptually aligned with established models of personality and psychopathology. Conclusions This study provided initial support for the structural validity of DSM-5 and ICD-11 PD trait models in Iranian culture. Future research warrants replication in larger samples and clinical populations. Copyright © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

A 1‐year follow‐up study of capacity to love and work: What components of borderline personality disorder most impair interpersonal and vocational functioning?

Abstract: BACKGROUND For individuals with borderline personality disorder (BPD), both the reduction in symptoms and the improvement of vocational and interpersonal function (psychosocial function) are important for recovery. Research suggests that some components of BPD make it harder to achieve functional recovery; however, findings are varied and inconclusive. The present study assesses recovery over time in BPD, investigates which symptoms make it harder to function and explores the relationships between these symptoms. METHOD One hundred ninety-nine consecutively recruited individuals in psychological treatment for personality disorder were studied over 12 months. Measures of BPD symptom severity at intake were used to predict improvements in social and vocational function at follow-up. Exploratory modelling was conducted to understand the relationships between symptoms and function. RESULTS Following 12 months of treatment, symptoms and functioning improved. Those who experienced more severe emptiness, impulsivity and self-harm had worse outcomes. A relationship between chronic emptiness at intake and impaired vocational outcome (days out of work) at follow-up was found, mediated by severity of impulsivity and frequency of self-harm. CONCLUSION Chronic emptiness is associated with dysfunctional behaviours such as impulsivity and self-harm, and poor psychosocial improvement. Interventions targeting chronic emptiness in those most vulnerable may improve functional outcomes. © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Clinical outcomes of a stepped care program for borderline personality disorder

Abstract: Objective This study examines the clinical outcomes of two clinics for borderline personality disorder (BPD) in a naturalistic setting, offering a stepped care model with both short-term (ST) treatment lasting 12 weeks and extended care (EC) up to 24 months. Methods A total of 479 patients attending the ST clinic and 145 attending the EC clinic were assessed on depression, impulsivity, self-esteem, emotion dysregulation, substance abuse, self-harm and suicidality. Results There were significant reductions in all symptoms in both clinics with the exception that substance abuse was only reduced in the EC clinic. On all symptoms, no significant differences in magnitude of changes were observed between patients who stayed in EC clinic for 6-12 months in comparison to those who stayed for 18-24 months. Conclusions These results support the concept that for the majority of patients with BPD, brief treatment can be effective. While some patients still need longer treatment, the results are encouraging for brief treatment as a first step for the majority of patients with BPD. While this study adds to the weight of evidence to support ST interventions for patients with BPD, further research using a control group is needed. Copyright © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Clinician attitudes towards borderline personality disorder: A 15-year comparison.

Abstract: Stigma towards people with borderline personality disorder has been a common theme reported within mental health services staff. A longitudinal, mixed method design investigated attitudes of mental health staff working at the same public health service in 2000 and 2015. Participants from both the 2000 and 2015 samples completed a short 10-item version of the Attitude to Personality Disorders Questionnaire and identical qualitative questions. The 2015 sample also completed the Attitude to Deliberate Self-Harm Questionnaire and the Attitude and Skills Questionnaire. Qualitatively, the 2000 sample endorsed much more negative descriptions (e.g. 'attention seeking' and 'manipulative'), and the 2015 sample focused more on treatment approaches and skills (e.g. 'management plan' and 'empathy'). Quantitatively, the 2015 sample endorsed more positive attitudes than the 2000 sample. This positive attitudinal shift is an encouraging step in successful treatment of borderline personality disorder and may reflect a changing landscape of the mental health system and greater awareness and use of effective treatments. © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

The prevalence of comorbid alcohol use disorder in the presence of personality disorder: Systematic review and explanatory modelling.

Abstract: Comorbid personality disorder (PD) worsens outcome in mental state disorders; however, the proportion of people with PD who have an alcohol use disorder (AUD) is poorly described. A systematic review of the literature for studies reporting on AUD in those with PD was completed. Lifetime prevalence figures were meta-analysed using multilevel models, accounting for type of PD and population examined. Sixteen unique studies contributed data to the analysis. PD type accounted for most of the heterogeneity in lifetime AUD prevalence. People with antisocial PD had the highest lifetime AUD prevalence, at 76.7%, followed by those with borderline PD at 52.2%, while those with other forms of PD, or undifferentiated PD, had a prevalence of 38.9%. Lifetime AUD prevalence was not significantly higher in clinical compared with population samples. The majority of people with PD experience an AUD at some time in the life course. This has clinical screening and management implications. Copyright © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Links between depression and openness and its facets

Abstract: Most studies on depression and personality have focused on the role of Neuroticism and Extraversion. Openness is a much less studied trait in this literature, as past studies investigating Openness and depression often have found non-significant correlations between them. However, past studies mostly have investigated Openness and depression at the domain level and used non-clinical samples. In the present study, the relationship between depression and Openness at the domain and facet levels was examined in a sample of 266 participants recruited from outpatient psychiatric settings. Findings showed that although the Openness domain was significantly related to depression, it did not account for a significant proportion of unique variance for depression. However, Openness did account for a significant proportion of unique variance for depression at the facet level, even after accounting for sex, age, Neuroticism and Extraversion. Specifically, unique effects emerged for the facets of Aesthetics positively predicting Depression and Values negatively predicting Depression and Anhedonia. Clinical and theoretical implications are discussed. Copyright © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Relationship between hope and depression in college students: A cross-lagged regression analysis.

Abstract: Objective This study aimed to examine the relationship between depression and two dimensions of hope (pathways thinking and agency thinking) in college students and explore the dynamics of the causal relationship between these variables. Methods A longitudinal study was conducted and included 381 college students. Hope and depression were measured using Snyder's State Hope Scale and the Center for Epidemiological Survey Depression Scale respectively, four times within a year (at 4-month intervals), and cross-lagged regression analysis was performed. Results The bidirectional paths between pathways thinking and depression were highly significant. The paths from agency thinking to depression were non-significant, but the paths from depression to agency thinking were significant. Conclusion There was a significant bidirectional relationship between pathways thinking and depression. In addition, depression levels predicted levels of agency thinking, but levels of agency thinking did not predict depression levels. Therefore, interventions for depression should include strategies that assist individuals in the use of pathways thinking to establish specific routes via which to achieve their goals. Copyright © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Estimating the prevalence of borderline personality disorder in mothers involved in youth protection services.

Abstract: Characteristics of borderline personality disorder (BPD) can undermine maternal capacity and in some cases lead to involvement with youth protection services (YPS). Yet, few studies exist on the prevalence of maternal BPD in this context and on the comparison of these families with families with other maternal psychiatric disorders or families with no mental illness within YPS. The current study surveyed 291 caseworkers working with mothers whose children and adolescents are followed by YPS. After reported prevalence was adjusted with validation procedures, the prevalence of maternal BPD in a sample of 1875 mothers was 34.3%. Comparison of three groups of families suggest that some risk factors, including substance abuse and severe conjugal conflicts, were more frequent in mothers with BPD than in mothers with other psychiatric illness or none. Furthermore, results revealed that 48.9% of mothers with BPD had a history of being followed by YPS in their childhood. Finally, children of mothers with BPD were placed at a younger age than the other children and were less often reported for conduct disorder. These results call for more attention to these highly vulnerable parents and children in both research and in adult and child mental health services. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

The association between locus of control, emotion regulation and borderline personality disorder features

Abstract: Background Locus of control (LOC) represents individuals' beliefs about how much control they have over outcomes in their life. Previous research has found an association between external LOC and psychopathology. Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is characterized by mood instability, identity disturbance and difficulties in impulse control. Aims The aims of this study are to evaluate the relationship between BPD features and LOC in a non-clinical sample and to assess whether external LOC is associated with BPD features after controlling for symptoms of depression and anxiety. Methods In a cross-sectional study of 328 university students, we assessed LOC, BPD features, depression and anxiety, as well as difficulties in emotion regulation and cognitive emotion regulation as potential mediators. Results We found an association between external LOC and BPD features after controlling for symptoms of depression, anxiety and demographic covariates. Assessing for indirect effects through potential mediators, we found that difficulties in emotion regulation, but not cognitive emotion regulation, partially mediated the relationship between external LOC and BPD features. Conclusions Findings provide support for a unique association between external LOC and BPD features and suggest a role for external LOC in related emotion regulation problems. Future investigations using experimental designs should examine potential causal associations and the effect of changing LOC on emotion regulation and features of BPD. Copyright © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Attitudes to personality disorder of staff working in high-security and medium-security hospitals.

Abstract: The discourse surrounding personality disorder is largely negative, and the diagnosis is considered to be associated with a degree of stigma. This study aimed to investigate staff attitudes towards personality disorder in high-security and medium-security forensic-psychiatric hospitals in the UK. The Attitude to Personality Disorder Questionnaire was completed by 132 participants who were all current employees with clinical roles. Staff attitudes to personality disorder in the current study were significantly less positive than in comparable studies in similar settings. Having completed staff training surrounding personality disorder and being from a non-nursing professional background were the best predictors of positive attitudes to personality disorder. The findings of this study offer support to the pursuit of improving access to training in personality disorder for those working with this clinical presentation. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Measuring the contribution of art therapy in multidisciplinary treatment of personality disorders: The construction of the Self-expression and Emotion Regulation in Art Therapy Scale (SERATS).

Abstract: Despite the use of art therapy in clinical practice, its appreciation and reported beneficial results, no instruments are available to measure specific effects of art therapy among patients with personality disorders cluster B/C in multidisciplinary treatment. In the present study, we described the development and psychometric evaluation of the Self-expression and Emotion Regulation in Art Therapy Scale (SERATS). Structural validity (exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis), reliability, construct validity and sensitivity to change were examined using two independent databases (n = 335; n = 34) of patients diagnosed with personality disorders cluster B/C. This resulted in a nine-item effect scale with a single factor with a high internal reliability and high test-retest reliability; it demonstrated discriminant validity and sensitivity to change. In conclusion, the SERATS is brief and content-valid and offers objective and reliable information on self-expression and emotion regulation in art therapy among patients with personality disorders cluster B/C. Although more research on construct validity is needed, the SERATS is a promising tool to be applied as an effect scale and as a monitoring tool during art therapy treatment. © 2017 The Authors Personality and Mental Health Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Personality traits such as neuroticism and disability predict psychological distress in medically unexplained symptoms: A three-year experience from a single centre.

Abstract: Background People with medically unexplained symptoms (MUS) may have psychological co-morbidities. Aims Our objectives were to assess the rates and identify correlates of psychological distress in MUS. Methods A total of 171 subjects with MUS seeking treatment at a tertiary care facility were assessed over a 3-year period. Psychological distress was assessed using the Tamil version of General Health Questionnaire-12. Apart from socio-demographic factors, personality, coping, perceived social support and subjective disability were assessed using standard instruments. Results Ninety subjects (52.6%) endorsed symptoms of psychological distress. MUS subjects with psychological distress reported higher levels of neuroticism (p < 0.001), lower extraversion (p < 0.001), lower perceived social support (p = 0.002), higher disability (p < 0.001), lower problem focused engagement (p = 0.378) and higher emotion focused engagement (p = 0.009). In multivariate analysis, high neuroticism scores (odds ratio 1.579, 95% CI 1.108 to 2.251) and high disability (odds ratio 1.302, 95% CI 1.147 to 1.478) emerged as independent predictors of psychological distress in MUS. Conclusion More than half of subjects with MUS have associated psychological distress. High levels of neuroticism and disability are potential markers of psychological distress in MUS. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Unidimensionality of the personality inventory for DSM‐5 facets: Evidence from two Czech‐speaking samples

Abstract: To date, numerous studies have confirmed empirical relevance of the personality trait model defined in the Alternative DSM-5 Model for Personality Disorders. The supposed single-factor structure of its facets and general domains across various samples, however, has not been researched thoroughly. This study focused on evaluating the hypothesized unidimensional factor structure of the lower-order personality trait facets, as well as the validity of the higher-order domains. The Czech version of the Personality Inventory for DSM-5 (PID-5) was used in a sample of 351 community volunteers and 143 psychiatric patients. The fit of the model for 25 facets could not be replicated with the original PID-5, while a shortened version confirmed the single-factor structure of all facets and their relevance to the five proposed domains. The findings support unidimensional structure of the modified DSM-5 personality trait model and imply discussion of the utility of the proposed PID-5 version. Copyright © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Differential relations of executive functioning to borderline personality disorder presentations in adolescents

Abstract: Borderline personality disorder (BPD) in adolescents is highly complex and heterogeneous. Within the disorder, research has suggested the existence of at least two subgroups: one with predominantly internalizing psychopathology features and one with predominantly externalizing psychopathology features. One process that may differentiate these groups is executive functioning (EF), given that poor EF is linked to externalizing psychopathology. Against this background, the current study used a multi-informant approach to examine whether adolescent patients with predominantly externalizing BPD presentations experience greater deficits in EF than adolescent patients with predominantly internalizing presentations. The sample included inpatient adolescents ages 12-17 (M = 15.26; SD = 1.51). Analyses revealed that multiple EF domains distinguished the BPD subgroups. More specifically, adolescents with externalizing presentations exhibited greater difficulties in broad domains related to global executive functioning, metacognition and behavioural regulation and specific domains related to inhibitory control, working memory, planning/organizing, monitoring and organization of materials. While this study is the first to examine EF and adolescent BPD in the context of internalizing and externalizing psychopathology, alternative approaches to examining this question are discussed. Copyright © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Do treatment outcomes differ after 3 months DBT inpatient treatment based on borderline personality disorder subtypes

Abstract: Heterogeneity in borderline personality disorder (BPD) drives the search for BPD subtypes to optimize the assessment and treatment of these patients Therefore, the aims of the present study were (1) to replicate previously identified BPD subtypes based on reactive and regulative temperament; (2) to compare them on symptomatology and coping; and (3) to investigate whether these subtypes show different treatment responses after 3 months of inpatient dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) A total of 145 BPD inpatients were assessed by means of measures of temperament, symptomatology and coping Through model‐based clustering on the Behavioural Inhibition and Behavioural Activation Scales (BISBAS) and Effortful Control Scale (ECS), we identified three BPD subtypes: an Emotional/Disinhibited subtype (15%, high BAS and low ECS); a Low Anxiety subtype (41%, low BIS) and an Inhibited subtype (44%, low BAS) After 3 months of DBT, 75 patients completed the measures for a second time Repeated measure ANOVAs demonstrated a general improvement on all symptoms and coping strategies In addition, the BPD subtypes showed trajectory differences in clinical and borderline specific symptomatology and dissociation These findings indicate that BPD subtypes based on temperament demonstrate different treatment responses, which can contribute to the search of more BPD subtype tailored treatment interventions © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd

Relationship between effortful control and facets of mindfulness in meditators, non-meditators and individuals with borderline personality disorder.

Abstract: As dimensions of effortful control (EC), activation control, attentional control, and inhibitory control could mediate the relationship between mindfulness meditation practice and the facets of mindfulness (i.e., observing, describing, acting with awareness, non-judging and non-reacting to inner experience). In this study, we tested whether participant status: meditators (n = 330), healthy non-meditators (n = 254) and individuals with borderline personality disorder (BPD) diagnosis (n = 46) predicted the facets of mindfulness and if these potential effects were mediated through the three effortful control (EC) dimensions (activation, attentional and inhibitory control). Meditators scored higher than non-meditators on attentional and inhibitory control and on the facets of mindfulness with attentional and inhibitory control partially mediating this relationship between meditation status and mindfulness facets. Participants with BPD showed lower scores on EC along with lower scores on the facets of mindfulness compared with healthy non-meditators. All three aspects of EC partially mediated the relationship between BPD and mindfulness facets. Copyright © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Behaviour vs. perception: An investigation into the components of emotional invalidation

Abstract: BACKGROUND The negative effects of emotionally invalidating environments are theorized by the biosocial theory of borderline personality disorder to be vast and severe. However, findings from studies on the impact of emotional invalidation (EI) vary, perhaps due to different operational definitions of EI. The current investigation seeks to explore the relationship between the objective behavioural observations of EI and recipient's subjective perceptions of experiencing these behaviours. METHOD First, 58 participants watched scripted interactions between a confederate and a mock participant and identified the presence of invalidating and/or neutral behaviours. Next, 92 participants engaged in one-on-one interactions with a confederate utilizing the same scripted interactions observed by the first set of participants. RESULTS While the first set of participants identified invalidating behaviours accurately and consistently, the participants who experienced the behaviours demonstrated more variability in their perceptions of the behaviours as emotionally invalidating. CONCLUSION These preliminary findings demonstrate that the objective existence of emotionally invalidating behaviours are likely not the same as the experienced perception of EI across individuals, highlighting the need to examine how EI is operationally defined and measured. Future research should examine what individual characteristics may play a role in perceiving behaviours as emotionally invalidating. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Associations between observed temperament in preschoolers and parent psychopathology.

Abstract: Parent history of psychopathology is an established marker of children's own risk for later disorder and can therefore be used as a means of validating other risks, such as child temperament. While associations between children's temperament and parent psychopathology have been reported, few studies have used observational measures of child temperament or examined trait interactions, particularly between children's affective and regulatory traits such as effortful control (EC). In this bottom-up family study of 968 three-year-olds and their parents, we examined interactions between preschoolers' observed positive and negative affectivity (NA) and EC as predictors of a known marker of psychopathology risk: parent history of disorder. Children with lower positive affectivity had an increased probability of paternal depression history in the context of higher child NA. In addition, children with lower EC and higher NA had an increased probability of maternal anxiety. Findings shed new light on the main effects and interactions that account for associations between child temperament and parent history of disorder, one of the best-established markers of an individual's own risk for future disorder, implicating reactive and regulatory traits that merit special consideration in future longitudinal work. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

STEPPS treatment programme for borderline personality disorder: Which scale items improve? An item-level analysis.

Abstract: We examined which items on the Borderline Evaluation of Severity Over Time and the Zanarini Rating Scale for Borderline Personality Disorder improved during participation in Systems Training for Emotional Predictability and Problem Solving (STEPPS). Data on 193 subjects from two independent sources were included: (1) a randomized controlled trial at an academic medical centre and (2) uncontrolled data from Iowa's correctional system. STEPPS effect size was estimated by contrasting effect size for those in the randomized controlled trial assigned to STEPPS + treatment as usual to effect size for those assigned to treatment as usual alone. Items from the Borderline Evaluation of Severity Over Time scale showing the greatest improvement assessed affective instability, 'taking steps to avoid/prevent problems', 'choosing to use a positive activity', identity disturbance and abandonment fears. The Zanarini Rating Scale for Borderline Personality Disorder items showing the greatest improvement assessed mood instability, chronic feelings of emptiness and identity disturbance. STEPPS effect size was significant for the Borderline Evaluation of Severity Over Time items rating paranoia and 'taking steps to avoid/prevent problems' and the Zanarini Rating Scale for Borderline Personality Disorder items assessing paranoia, impulsivity, chronic emptiness and unstable relationships. This, and future work, could eventually help in matching patients to particular treatment programmes that target their preponderant symptoms. © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

The dishonest gambler: Low HEXACO honesty-humility and gambling severity in a community sample of gamblers

Abstract: Personality dimensions have been found to be important in understanding the aetiology of disordered gambling While the majority of research has focused on the Five-Factor Model of personality, recent empirical evidence also indicated that the honesty-humility factor of the HEXACO personality model may be a key personality correlate of gambling behaviour In the present research, we extend the understanding between personality and gambling severity by further assessing whether HEXACO dimensions are associated with both current gambling status and gambling severity in a community-recruited sample of gamblers (N = 427) In addition, we examined whether motivations to engage in gambling (enhancement, coping, social and financial) mediated the relationship between personality and gambling severity on the Problem Gambling Severity Index Demographic covariates were controlled for in our analyses The results indicate that honesty-humility was the only personality dimension that significantly predicted gambling status (non-gamblers vs current gamblers) In addition, lower scores on honesty-humility, conscientiousness and openness were significantly associated with gambling severity Lastly, coping motives were the only significant mediator in the relationship between honesty-humility and increased gambling severity The results offer further support to the notion that honesty-humility may be an especially pertinent personality dimension in understanding the aetiology of disordered gambling © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd

Exploring electrophysiological correlates of social cognition in subclinical schizotypy

Abstract: Impairments in social cognition and associated abnormalities in brain function are well documented in psychotic disorders. They may represent neurodevelopmental vulnerabilities and may therefore be present in less severe or even subclinical conditions of the schizophrenia spectrum, such as schizotypy. Schizotypy has features highly suggestive of social cognitive impairments, but little is known about possible related abnormalities of brain function. This exploratory pilot study examines electrophysiological event-related potentials (ERPs) implicated in schizophrenia, in 23 undergraduates with a range of subclinical schizotypal characteristics. ERPs were recorded in response to emotional face stimuli in an experimental paradigm designed to assess very early stages of social stimulus processing. Three ERPs were assessed, P100, N170 and P300. P100 and P300 were found to be related to multiple schizotypal features, but N170 was not. The results support occurrence of social cognitive impairments linked to abnormal brain function across the schizophrenia spectrum. Copyright © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Belief in narcissistic insecurity: Perceptions of lay raters and their personality and psychopathology relations.

Abstract: This study advances research on interpersonal perceptions of narcissism by examining the degree to which overt displays of narcissism (e.g. being boastful and arrogant) are viewed by lay raters as resulting from covert insecurity. We wrote a brief set of items to assess this view and collected responses from a large sample of community adults (n = 5 528). We present results both for participants reporting (n = 617; patient subsample) and not reporting (n = 4 911; non-patient subsample) current psychiatric treatment. Results revealed that (1) overt grandiose narcissistic traits generally are viewed as being linked to covert insecurity and vulnerability and (2) items intended to assess this link define a meaningful construct, referred to here as Belief in Narcissistic Insecurity. Patient subsample participants also completed measures of personality and psychopathology. Belief in Narcissistic Insecurity showed modest positive relations with self-rated narcissism and with favourable views of one's personality (i.e. seeing oneself as extraverted and conscientious). These findings contribute to research aimed at explicating how perceptions of narcissism are related to self-views and interpersonal functioning. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Should I stay or should I go? Approach/avoidance conflict and emotional functioning

Abstract: Personality has long held a prevalent place in the pantheon of psychological research. In the last 40 years, neuropsychological models of personality have become a popular predictor of human behaviour and emotionality. With a particular focus on Gray's Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory, this study investigated the interaction of high Behavioural Activation System (BAS) and Behavioural Inhibition System (BIS) as a predictor of emotional functioning. Participants (n = 499) recruited from the community completed an online survey composed of questions on demographic information, behavioural inhibition and activation, emotional instability and indices of depression, anxiety and mixed depression-anxiety. Consistent with our primary hypothesis, the interaction of high BAS × BIS predicted emotional instability using an observed variable path model. This was subsequently associated with depression, anxiety and mixed depression-anxiety symptoms. Future avenues for research using BIS/BAS monitoring in clinical practice and study limitations are discussed. © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Interpersonal barriers to recovery from borderline personality disorder: A qualitative analysis of patient perspectives.

Abstract: Social-environmental factors have been found to be an integral part in the recovery process for individuals with psychiatric disabilities. There are few studies that have obtained patient perspectives of how their social and treatment environments help facilitate or impede the recovery process. The following study examined the self-reported interpersonal barriers to recovery among a sample of individuals (N = 31) with borderline personality disorder who were receiving dialectical behaviour therapy. The goal of study was to identify self-reported problematic behaviour that interferes with recovery goals and identify types of family, friend and/or provider behaviours that increased the likelihood of patients engaging in these problematic behaviours. A content analysis yielded three themes of problematic behaviour, and how these behaviours were reinforced by others, including (1) avoidance behaviours, (2) encouragement of negative coping and (3) communication of low behavioural expectations. Implications for the impact of these patterns of reinforcement within behavioural health settings are discussed. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Trajectories of change in symptom distress in a clinical group of late adolescents: The role of maladaptive personality traits and relations with parents

Abstract: In this study, it was analysed whether trajectories of change in symptom distress could be identified in a clinical group of late adolescents with personality pathology. Furthermore, it was examined whether maladaptive personality traits and relations with parents were predictive of following one of these trajectories. Three latent classes emerged from growth mixture modelling with a symptom inventory (n = 911): a Stable High, a Strong Decreasing and a Moderate Decreasing trajectory. Subsequently, by using multinomial logistic regression analyses in a subsample of late-adolescents (n = 127), it was revealed that high levels of Negative Affectivity and Detachment were predictive of following the Strong Decreasing, and high levels of Detachment were predictive of following the Stable High trajectory. Support from or Negative Interactions with parents were not predictive of any of the trajectories. The current results contribute to the notion of individual trajectories of change in symptom distress and provide suggestions for screening patients on personality traits to gain insight in the course of this change. © 2018 The Authors Personality and Mental Health Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.