The Dimensionalization of Personality Pathology

Abstract The goal of this chapter is to provide an update on the state of the science with regard to the dimensionalization of psychopathology, specifically as it pertains to personality pathology. The chapter first provides a brief rationale for dimensionalization of personality pathology, followed by a description of two official dimensional systems: the Alternative Model for Personality Disorders (AMPD) and the ICD-11 diagnostic system for personality disorder. In describing these systems, emphasis is given to their entry criterion, maladaptive self- and interpersonal functioning, as a single, dimensional indicator of personality pathology that cuts across all manifestations of personality pathology. Next, a rationale for the importance of this single indicator is provided by emphasizing its role in explaining the development and onset of personality disorder. In short, the chapter argues that other indicators of personality disorder (such as traits) represent continuous, non-distinctive features of personality disorder, falling short of providing the kind of information necessary to optimize clinical utility in the diagnosis of personality disorder. The chapter concludes with a discussion of the implication of this thesis for dimensionality and with directions for future research.