Temperament and attachment dimensions as predictors for impairments of personality functioning according to DSM-5.

Abstract

The study aimed to assess the role of temperament and attachment dimensions for personality pathology defined as impairments in self- and interpersonal functioning according to Criterion A of Section III of the DSM-5. The study was conducted in Poland with a group of 391 participants. The following measurement instruments were used: The Level of Personality Functioning Scale - Brief Form 2.0 (LPFS-BF 2.0), the Temperament Metadimensions Questionnaire (TMQ), the Attachment Style Questionnaire (ASQ), and the Experiences in Close Relationships - Revised (ECR-R). The joint estimation of temperament and attachment role in explaining impairments of personality functioning led to the following conclusions: (1) temperament explained impairments of self-functioning to a greater extent than impairments of interpersonal functioning; (2) temperamental "Reactivity" was more of a predictor of personality pathology than "Activity"; (3) adding attachment increased the magnitude of the explained variance of personality pathology; (4) attachment "Avoidance" explained impairments in interpersonal functioning to a greater extent, while attachment "Anxiety" explained impairments in selffunctioning to a greater extent. The impairments in personality functioning included in DSM-5 Criterion A are largely explained by two sets of variables: the more enduring and innate temperament and the attachment acquired through early interactions. Such a distinction is important from a clinical perspective, in which effective interactions can target those properties that can be modified and take into account those that are difficult or impossible to modify.