Cognitive models of personality disorder

The author describes Beck, Young, Linehan and Layden’s cognitive models of personality disorder along with Davidson’s model. What is common to most models is the importance of cognitive schemas, which are models of the self, others and the world. The models, however, differ in how they explain the origin and formation of these cognitions and cognitive schemas. Beck’s model of personality disorder emphasised the interaction of the brain, including the individual’s temperament, with the environment. Young’s view is that maladaptive schemas lie at the core of personality disturbance and disorder and have resulted from unmet emotional needs in childhood. Linehan’s DBT has a strong cognitive element, but it has some fundamental differences, particularly in the use of techniques derived from Zen meditation and the emphasis on behavioural treatment and acceptance. Layden’s model emphasises that childhood trauma and neglect produce dysfunctional schemas, though she pays attention to the stage of child development to illuminate the types of dysfunctional schemas that may develop. Davidson’s CBTpd model places emphasis on cognitive, emotional and behavioural factors. This model places the origins of personality problems as lying in the inherent temperament of the child, childhood development and childhood adversity, including wider societal factors.