ALTERNATIVE DSM-5 MODEL FOR PERSONALITY DISORDERS

Abstract

Personality pathology influences construed characteristics of situational experience, suggesting avenues for therapeutic intervention. Current research indicates a lack of consensus on the relative utility of Criterion A–personality dysfunction–and Criterion B–pathological traits–as described in the DSM-5 Alternative Model of Personality Disorder. University students (N=211) completed six daily situational experience assessments over two weeks, along with measures of pathological personality functioning and traits. Meaningful links between personality dysfunction and situational experience were discovered, especially identity impairment being associated with situations involving frustration and duty. Prior associations between pathological traits and situational experience were mostly replicated, with noteworthy differences being trait antagonism predicting positive, social situations and trait psychoticism no longer predicting interpersonal adversity. Pathological traits uniquely predicted situational experience above and beyond personality dysfunction while the reverse association was not supported, contributing to theoretical and practical aspects of the evolving debate over Criteria A and B utility.