Maladaptive facet trait profiles and psychopathology: a person‑centered assessment approach

Abstract

Person-centered approaches in personality allow greater understanding of how different subpopulations with specific personality profiles are linked with relevant outcomes. Studies under the Five Factor Model agree on the observation of a Resilient, an Undercontrolled and an Overcontrolled profile. However, studies using maladaptive traits are much more limited. The present research identify personality profiles based on the 25 maladaptative facet and examined the relationships with personality dysfunctioning, internalizing and externalizing symptoms. A mixed sample composed of community adults (n = 742) and patients (n = 312) completed the Personality Inventory for DSM-5 Short Form, the Inventory of Depression and Anxiety Symptoms-II, Externalizing Spectrum Inventory–Brief From, the 12 items Spanish version of the WHO Disability Assessment Schedule II and Level of Personality Functioning Scale-Brief Form 2.0. Latent profile analysis was performed on PID-5-SF score. The scores on internalizing, externalizing and functioning were compared across the profiles. Four profiles emerged: Resilient, Undercontrolled, Overcontrolled, and Ordinary type. The Overcontrolled and Undercontrolled types showed higher scores on pathology scales. While the Overcontrolled profile appeared more related to internalizing symptoms and impairment in self-functioning, the Undercontrolled profile was more linked to higher scores on externalizing symptoms and interpersonal dysfunctioning.