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The Association between Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and Cluster B Personality Disorders: A Review of the Literature

43-page literature review written for Senior Seminar in Psychology at Skidmore College, earning departmental honors.

Abstract: A large body of current literature suggests that there is a strong association between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and Cluster B personality disorders. ACEs have been shown to contribute to negative effects in adulthood, such as poor physical and mental health outcomes. Research shows that ACEs are associated with all four Cluster B personality disorders: antisocial personality disorder (ASPD), borderline personality disorder (BPD), histrionic personality disorder (HPD), and narcissistic personality disorder (NPD). ASPD is most associated with physical abuse and neglect whereas BPD tends to be most associated with emotional abuse and neglect. HPD is most associated with sexual abuse and NPD does not have one singular ACE it is most associated with, though it is highly correlated with emotional neglect. Factors such as maladaptive schema modes and attachment styles have been shown to mediate the association between ACEs and Cluster B personality disorders, emphasizing how ACEs increase the likelihood of developing a Cluster B personality disorder. While Cluster B personality disorders are quite severe, symptoms can be managed through psychotherapeutic treatment, such as dialectical behavioral therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy. Treating these disorders tends to be most effective when done consistently in an inpatient setting. Understanding these implications regarding ACEs and treatment methods can help produce intervention methods to decrease the likelihood of developing these disorders.