Psychometric Evaluation of the German Version of the Semi-Structured Interview for Personality Functioning DSM-5 (STiP-5.1)

Abstract

The alternative model for personality disorders of the DSM-5 introduced an evidence-based, dimensional concept for the diagnosis of personality disorders. Criterion A, operationalized with the Level of Personality Functioning Scale, differentiates different levels of impairments in personality functioning. The Semi-Structured Interview for Personality Functioning DSM-5 (STiP-5.1) is a valid, reliable, and economic interview for the assessment of Criterion A. However, to date, there is no validated form of the interview in the German language. The aim of this study is the psychometric evaluation of the German version of the STiP-5.1. The validity and reliability of the STiP-5.1 was investigated in a sample of healthy adults (n=55) and inpatients diagnosed with a mental disorder (n=55). Construct validity was evaluated by correlations with questionnaires for the assessment of structural impairment (IPO-16, OPD-SQS), and maladaptive personality traits (SCID-II-PQ). Interrater reliability was investigated in a sub-sample of healthy individuals and inpatients (n=50). With regard to validity, high correlations (r=0.68-0.78) between STiP-5.1- ratings and convergent self-report questionnaires were found. The sub-sample showed good interrater reliability (ICC=0.93). Interviews took 38 min. on average. The German version of the STiP-5.1 provides a valid, reliable and economic interview procedure for the dimensional assessment of personality functioning for research and clinical practice.