Representation of personality disorders in circumplex and five-factor space: Explorations with a clinical sample.

Abstract

This study examined the relationship between DSM-III-R personality disorders and the interpersonal circumplex and Big Five models of personality traits. One hundred and two consecutive referrals for group therapy for personality disorders were evaluated using the Personality Disorder Examination (PDE) and the Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory II (MCMI-II) personality-disorder scales. Their placement in circumplex space was assessed using the Inventory of Interpersonal Problems Circumplex Scales, whereas their standing on the Big Five traits was measured with the 50-Bipolar Self-Rating Scales (50-BSRS). We found that many disorders could be meaningfully located in circumplex space, whereas the use of the Big Five model led to even better placement for several disorders. Further examination of the residuals from the PDE, after the 50-BSRS scales were partialed out, indicated that the remaining common variance also be understood in terms of the Big Five model