Dimensional Models of Personality Disorder

Dimensional Models of Personality Disorder: 

There are a number of problems with the categorical system of personality disorder diagnosis that is codified in DSM-5. For example, the personality disorder categories are quite heterogeneous with regard to symptoms and traits, and a great deal of comorbidity among personality disorder diagnoses is frequently observed. An attractive alternative to representing personality pathology and disorder in a categorical manner (i.e., present versus absent) is a dimensional model of classification. Dr. Trull's work in this area has been both conceptual and empirical. He has published several papers on the problems inherent in categorical systems of personality disorder diagnoses, as well as on the available dimensional models of personality and personality pathology that might be adopted. Further, several of his published studies have presented data directly relevant to this topic, focusing primarily on the five-factor model of personality. For the research described above, Dr. Trull played critical roles in all aspects of the research (i.e., study planning, obtaining funding, framing the research question, data analytic approach, and ms. preparation).

Related Publications:

• Trull, T. J., & Durrett, C. (2005). Categorical and dimensional models of personality disorders. Annual Review of Clinical Psychology, 1, 355-380. PMID: 17716092

• Widiger, T. A., & Trull, T. J. (2007). Plate tectonics in the classification of personality disorder: Shifting to a dimensional model. American Psychologist, 62, 71-83. PMID: 17324033

• Trull, T. J., Vergés, A., Wood, P. K., Jahng, S., & Sher, K. J. (2012). The Structure of DSM-IV-TR Personality Disorder Symptoms in a Large National Sample. Personality Disorders: Theory, Research, and Treatment, 3, 355-369. PMC3779622

• Trull, T. J., & Widiger, T. A. (2013). Dimensional models of personality: The five-factor model and the DSM-5. Dialogues in Clinical Neuroscience, 15(2), 135-146. PMC3811085