In the DSM-5 Section III Alternative Model for Personality Disorders (AMPD), the severity of personality pathology (criterion A) and the presence of pathological personality trait domains and... Show moreIn the DSM-5 Section III Alternative Model for Personality Disorders (AMPD), the severity of personality pathology (criterion A) and the presence of pathological personality trait domains and facets (criterion B) are assessed independently. Recent studies have challenged this assumption of independence but the interplay between criterion A and criterion B remains subject of further research. Using model-based cluster analysis on the criterion B trait domains, we compared criterion B trait domain clusters with respect to criterion A severity measures. Results revealed a six-cluster solution. Four of the six clusters represented a gradual increase in criterion B trait domains, paralleling an increase in criterion A severity. Two clusters did not follow this pattern: an Anxious-Detached type exhibiting overall high criterion A severity scores, and an emotionally stable psychopathy type exhibiting a number of low criterion A severity scores. Our findings indicate that criterion B domain clusters are informative of criterion A severity, relevant for future conceptualizations of the AMPD. Show less
Iliescu, D.; Greiff, S.; Proyer, R.; Ziegler, M.; Allen, M.; Claes, L.; ... ; Zeinoun, P. 2021
Developing a stable and coherent identity structure (i.e., a synthesized sense of self that can support self-directed decision making) represents a lifelong task. A person’s identity structure is... Show moreDeveloping a stable and coherent identity structure (i.e., a synthesized sense of self that can support self-directed decision making) represents a lifelong task. A person’s identity structure is continually revised through ongoing processes of identity exploration and commitment. However, longitudinal studies linking identity structure to identity processes are largely lacking. The present three-wave longitudinal study among 530 Flemish high school students [50.6% female; Mage = 15; SD = 1.85; age range = 11–19 years] examined the directionality of both between- and within-person associations linking identity synthesis and confusion to identity exploration and commitment processes. Between-person cross-lagged models indicated that adolescents who scored high on identity synthesis relative to their peers also scored high on proactive exploration and commitment processes, and low on ruminative exploration one year later, again relative to their peers. Adolescents who scored high on identity confusion relative to their peers also scored high on ruminative exploration one year later, again relative to their peers. With respect to effects of identity processes on identity structure, adolescents who scored high on identification with commitment relative to their peers also scored low on identity confusion one year later. Within-person cross-lagged models indicated that, when adolescents scored high on identity synthesis relative to their own average score, they reported increased proactive exploration processes one year later. In general, reaching a degree of identity synthesis appears to represent a prerequisite for proactive identity exploration at both the between- and within-person levels. Show less
Objective A cancer diagnosis during pregnancy may be considered as an emotional challengefor pregnant women and their partners. We aimed to identify women and partners at risk for highlevels of... Show moreObjective A cancer diagnosis during pregnancy may be considered as an emotional challengefor pregnant women and their partners. We aimed to identify women and partners at risk for highlevels of distress based on their coping profile.Methods Sixty‐one pregnant women diagnosed with cancer and their partners filled out theCognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (CERQ) and the newly constructed Cancer andPregnancy Questionnaire (CPQ). K‐means cluster analysis was performed on the CERQ scales.Scores on the CPQ were compared between the women and their partners and between theCERQ‐clusters.Results Comparison of women and partners on the CPQ did not reveal significant differenceson distress about the child’s health, the cancer disease, and the pregnancy or on information sat-isfaction (P = .16, P = .44, P = .50, and P = .47, respectively). However, women were more inclinedto maintain the pregnancy than their partners (P = .011). Three clusters were retrieved based onthe CERQ scales, characterized by positive coping, internalizing coping, and blaming. Women andpartners using internalizing strategies had significantly higher scores on concerns about thechild’s health (P = .039), the disease and treatment (P < .001), and the pregnancy and delivery(P = .009) compared with positive and blaming strategies. No cluster differences were foundfor information satisfaction (P = .71) and tendency to maintain the pregnancy (P = .35).Conclusion Women and partners using internalizing coping strategies deal with the highestlevels of distress and may benefit from additional psychosocial support. Show less
Slof-Op't Landt, M.C.T.; Claes, L.; Furth, E.F. van 2016
Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) is highly prevalent in adolescents. Secure attachment with family and peers can reduce vulnerability to NSSI and can optimize the outcomes of developmental... Show moreNon-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) is highly prevalent in adolescents. Secure attachment with family and peers can reduce vulnerability to NSSI and can optimize the outcomes of developmental challenges such as identity formation. Problems experienced in these developmental processes and contexts can increase vulnerability to NSSI. Hence, the present study examined associations between attachment with mother and peers, identity formation, and NSSI, using self-report questionnaires in 528 high school students (Mean age = 15.0 years, S.D. = 1.84, 11-19 years, 50.4% females). The lifetime prevalence of NSSI was found to be 14.2%. Mediation analyses indicated that peer trust had a significant negative indirect effect on NSSI via identity synthesis and confusion. The positive association between peer alienation and NSSI was partially mediated by a lack of identity synthesis. Further, the pathways from maternal trust and alienation to NSSI were fully mediated by both identity confusion and synthesis. Clinical implications and suggestions for future research are discussed. Show less
