Interpersonal Functioning Research Articles

The concept of Narcissistic Personality Disorder-Three levels of analysis for interdisciplinary integration.

In this paper, I distinguish three different levels for describing, and three corresponding ways for understanding, deficient empathy as the core of NPD (Narcissistic Personality Disorder). On the macro level, deficient empathy can be explained as disturbed interpersonal functioning, and is understood as lack of recognition. On the meso-level, deficient empathy can be described as psychic disintegration, and can be understood specifically in its dissocial aspects. Psychic disintegration in NPD correlates with somatic changes, i.e., dysfunctional affective empathy and mind-reading on the micro level of description, which is the third level. The "core-deficit-model of NPD" that I outline, while not rejecting reductionist approaches outright, argues in favor of integrating (top-down/bottom-up) functionalist descriptions of empathy into a wider conceptual framework of bio-psycho-social functioning. The "core-deficit-model of NPD" is interdisciplinary, can bypass monodisciplinary skepticism, and removes purported barriers between explaining and understanding the "lack" of empathy as the core of pathological narcissism.

Metapragmatic Expressions as Relation-oriented Strategies in Peer Feedback: A Case Study of Business English Writing

This paper explores the interpersonal functions of metapragmatic expressions (MPEs) in peer feedback, where students were assigned a business English writing task, and examines the metapragmatic awareness revealed in this context from the metapragmatics perspective. It is shown in the data that the use of MPEs in peer feedback not only helps students to deliver information by creating common ground but also reflects their concern for their interpersonal relations. Data analysis indicates that students in peer feedback use MPEs as relation-oriented strategies such as hedging, complementing, repairing, inducing, and transferring strategies to manage and regulate their relations so that effective feedback can be achieved, which reflects their consideration of relational factors, including face work and emotion management on both sides of feedback. The present study deepens our understanding of the mechanisms of MPEs in peer feedback and advances our knowledge of metapragmatic awareness in classroom discourse, providing some implications for foreign language teaching.

Nature and Assessment of Personality Pathology and Diagnosis.

This article demonstrates the contribution of Otto Kernberg's object relations theory of personality pathology to the current understanding of the nature and assessment of personality pathology and diagnosis. The article introduces recent advances in psychiatric nosology and presents differing views on the meaning of the general severity criterion common to all personality pathology (i.e., level of personality functioning as described in criterion A of the Alternative DSM-5 Model for Personality Disorders). Next, the significance of Kernberg's theory to recent nosological advances is discussed, with a focus on two important features: first, a definition of personality that goes beyond signs and symptoms to include structural motivational components, in the domains of self- and interpersonal functioning, that are common to all personality manifestations and that fulfill an intrapsychic, organizing function; second, identity formation and consolidation as the ultimate end point of healthy personality functioning. That these cornerstone features of Kernberg's theory, articulated more than 50 years ago, align with the most up-to-date conceptualization of personality pathology confirms that Kernberg's theory represents an idea whose time has finally come.

Maladaptive personality traits as predictors of prosocial and trusting behavior in two economic games

BackgroundDimensional models of personality disorders postulate interpersonal dysfunction as the core feature of personality pathology, and describe maladaptive personality traits that characterize the specific pattern of dysfunction that is experienced. Herein, we examined whether maladaptive traits predict prosocial and trusting behavior, both of which are highly relevant behaviors for interpersonal functioning. Specifically, we examined antagonism as a predictor of prosocial behavior in a dictator game, and suspiciousness as a predictor of trust in the faith game.Materials and methodsThe study was preregistered and conducted online. The preregistration protocol is available at https://osf.io/er43j. Data and code are available at https://osf.io/2rvbg/. Participants (N = 445) completed the German version of the Personality Inventory for DSM-5 to measure antagonism and suspiciousness. Additionally, they played the dictator game (more money taken away from another person indicates less prosocial behavior) and the faith game (choosing the sure choice instead of the faith choice indicates less trust). We conducted a linear regression model to test whether antagonism is associated with prosocial behavior in the dictator game and a logistic regression model to test whether suspiciousness predicts selection of the sure choice in the faith game.ResultsAs hypothesized, higher levels of antagonism were associated with less prosocial behavior in the dictator game. The remaining hypotheses were not supported, as suspiciousness was not significantly associated with the likelihood of choosing the sure choice in the faith game. Exploratory analyses on participants’ estimates of the sure choice amount suggest successful experimental manipulation in the faith game.ConclusionsThe results on antagonism and prosocial behavior are consistent with those of previous studies that used categorial classification systems of personality disorders or examined non-pathological personality traits. Potential explanations for the non-significant effects of suspiciousness are discussed, including the small size and range of the sure choice payoff and that the anonymity of the game may have precluded suspicious traits from expressing. Future research with higher stakes and known interaction partners is needed to further probe the effects of suspiciousness.

A psychometric evaluation of the International Trauma Questionnaire (ITQ) in a trauma-exposed college sample

IntroductionThe International Trauma Questionnaire (ITQ) is a well-validated measure of ICD-11 PTSD and CPTSD. However, further validation is needed in other samples and using external correlates representing a broader range of psychopathology. ObjectiveWe first examined the internal consistency of the ITQ, and then examined its convergent and discriminant validity with a wide variety of external correlates, including PTSD, childhood trauma, dissociation, somatization, anxiety, anxiety related disorders, depression, mania, paranoia, schizophrenia, borderline features, antisocial features, drug use, alcohol use, aggression, suicidal ideation, stress, interpersonal functioning, and treatment rejection. MethodUsing data from a trauma-exposed sample of college students (N = 246), we evaluated internal consistency via Cronbach's alpha and MacDonalad's omega, and convergent and discriminant validity via Pearson correlations and follow-up z tests using the Meng-Rosenthal-Rubin (1992) procedure to assess differences between the PTSD and DSO scales of the ITQ. ResultsThe ITQ has strong internal consistency reliability as indicated by Cronbach's alpha and MacDonald's omega. Patterns of convergent and discriminant validity fell broadly in hypothesized patterns, supporting the distinction between ICD-11 PTSD and CPTSD. All significant contrast analyses showed that correlations with external criterion variables were greater for ITQ DSO as compared to ITQ PTSD. ConclusionsOur results indicate that the ITQ is a psychometrically sound measure of ICD-11 PTSD and CPTSD. As indicated by the differential pattern in convergent and discriminant validity with a broad range of external correlates, the scale readily distinguishes PTSD and DSO as distinct constructs.

Interpersonal attribution bias and social evaluation in adolescent eating disorders.

Improved understanding of adolescent eating disorders (EDs), including identification and refinement of treatment and recovery targets, may help improve clinical outcomes. Interpersonal function is a proposed risk and maintenance factor that may be particularly relevant given the significance of adolescence for both psychosocial development and ED onset. This study examined self-referential thinking in adolescents with EDs compared to healthy adolescents. Twenty-nine adolescents with EDs and 31 healthy controls completed a self-report measure of interpersonal attributions as well as a verbal appraisal task that required conducting direct and indirect evaluations about oneself and direct evaluations about others. The ED group had a more negative self-attribution bias than the control group (p=0.006) even when controlling for depression severity. Additionally, the ED group exhibited less positive direct self (p<0.001), direct social (p=0.015), and social reflected self-appraisals (p=0.011) than the healthy cohort. After including depression as a covariate in the verbal appraisal model, the model was no longer significant, suggesting group differences related to social appraisals may be mediated by depression. Adolescents with EDs have more negative interpersonal beliefs than comparison adolescents. Future studies are needed to determine how the constructs identified here relate to clinical course.

Where There Is an Echo, There Is an Intention: Understanding the Echolalia Phenomenon of Children With Epilepsy and Autism

Echolalia is a typical feature of children with epilepsy and autism, but whether it is pathological is still controversial. This article aims to explore the contentious issue of echolalia based on data from three selected Chinese children with epilepsy and autism. Through discourse analysis, we explored two types of echolalia: immediate echolalia and delayed echolalia. It was found that the two types of echolalia were used to achieve interactional function, interpersonal function, and experiential function. Our research also found that the echolalia phenomenon reflected the participants’ pragmatic awareness when dealing with new information. This article will contribute to understanding echolalia in children with epilepsy and autism and provide intervention methods for children with language impairment.

Relation of the Trauma Symptom Inventory’s Sexual Dysfunction Subscale to Overall Distress in African American College Students

Recent research has identified that traumatic events have affected individuals from all occupations. Severe trauma and reactions, which in the past were primarily identified with military veterans, have now been recognized in people throughout society. The TSI-2 is a 136 item self-report tool that examines the impact of trauma on an individual’s social and interpersonal functioning. The test has 4 global scales and 12 subscales. This study examined the relation of the Sexual Dysfunction subscale to overall pathology and its implication in African American college students. Students from a HBCU volunteered to complete this scale as part of a larger study-evaluating mood and cognitive functioning. The researchers reexamined the data in relation to performance on the Sexual Dysfunction Scale and overall signs of distress, depression and anxiety. Results found individuals who scored elevated on the scale also had high elevations on measures of significant distress and pathology. They also were high risks for selfinjury. An item analysis indicated these individuals were likely to act impulsively and demonstrate acknowledged poor judgment in dating and sexual activities (e.g., having sex without protection, sleeping with someone who they knew was not good for them). This subscale possibly has utility in screening for college students whose experience with trauma may lead them to be high risks for exploitation and poor adjustment on a university campus.

Articel The Language Function in the Dou Sandik “Praise and Worship” Tradisional of Biak Numfor Speech Community, Papua: A Linguistic Theology Study

This article aims to uncover the use of theological language in the Dou Sandik tradition of Biak Numfor speech community. Grammatical theology is a theory that is able to show a human life in relation to God, and the uses of language and its set of game rules. This study uses two approaches, namely (1) a theoretical approach and (2) a methodological approach. The theoretical approach is an exploration of linguistic (grammatical) theological theory, while the methodological approach is a descriptive approach with an explanatory dimension. From the perspective of linguistic (grammatical) theology, this study seeks to apply scientific principles to linguistic data, as well as to adapt the steps of scientific studies in other fields of science. This study follows the procedures (1) the stage of providing data, (2) the stage of data analysis, and (3) the stage of presenting the results of data analysis. This study focuses on the efforts to reveal the "Function of Language in the Dou Sandik 'Prise and Worship' Tradition in Biak Numfor, Papua: A Study of Linguistic Theology", by projecting language function problems into: (1) ideational functions, (2) interpersonal functions, and (3) textual functions

‘WE ALL ARE PERFECTLY IMPERFECT’: AN INTERPERSONAL METAFUNCTION OF MUNIBA MAZARI’S SPEECH IN A CASE ON SYSTEMIC FUNCTIONAL LINGUISTICS

This study aims to find out the elements of the interpersonal function used in Muniba Mazari's speech and to find out the most dominant elements of interpersonal function. The source of data takes from a video of Muniba Mazari's speech that was examined by the researcher. The data of this research are clauses that have an element of interpersonal function spoken by Muniba Mazari’s speech. The instrument of data collection used is documentation in the form of video recording, and for technique of data collection is documentation method. To analyze the data involves four steps namely: data collection, data condensation, data display, and the last conclusion drawing. Based on the result findings of this research, the frequency of the subject 231 (25,41%), finite 173 (19,03%), while residue elements predicator 204 (22,44%), complement 189 (20,79%), circumtantial adjunct 40 (4,40%), conjunctive adjunct 32 (3,53%), comment adjunct 25 (2,75%), and the last mood adjunct 15 (1,65%). The result showed the most dominant element interpersonal function structure used in Muniba Mazari’s speech is subject with the total percentage is 25,41%. Based on the results it can be concluded that this research can be used as insight and useful as a model to discuss interpersonal functions in a speech. And the researcher hopes that readers can increase their knowledge when conducted analyzing interpersonal functions in a speech because it is very important to know the meaning of each clause conveyed.

Twenty frequent errors and inaccuracies in the diagnostic evaluation of personality disorders

ContextThe ICD-11 proposal and the incorporation of the alternative Model of DMS-5, Section III (AMPD), a hybrid system which combines categorical and dimensional criteria for the assessment of personality disorders, based in levels of severity of impairment in self and interpersonal functioning, has permitted the alignment of descriptive psychiatric nosology with psychoanalytic frames that use the same dimension in the diagnostic evaluation and empirical research of the treatment of personality disorders. This approach has also allowed the conceptual bridging of neurobehaviorally-linked personality dimensions and psychostructural organization. Most diagnostic methodologies of personality disorders explore: 1) the perception of subjective experience, 2) observable and inferential behaviors, and 3) psychological structure and processes mediating self and interpersonal functioning. ObjectivesThis article highlights 20 frequent errors and inaccuracies on the diagnostic evaluations of personality disorders that are described in the ICD-11 proposal and the Model of DMS-5, Section III (AMPD). MethodThe study exposes the difficulties encountered in exploring subjective experience and underlying psychological structure to develop and apply overarching frameworks between descriptive phenomenology and psychological organization, on one side, and interpersonal neurobiology and psychological motivation on the other toward explanatory diagnostic formulations with therapeutic and prognostic implications. ResultsThe proposal of an alternative model for personality disorders in the DSM-5, section III, toward hybrid systems which combine categorical and dimensional features to personality pathology has allowed the alignment of descriptive psychiatric nosology with psychoanalytic frames that use the same dimension in the assessment and empirical research of the treatment of personality disorders. ConclusionA diagnostic evaluation for patients is an opportunity to systematically explore personal and life circumstances, toward the possibility of a mutative reorganization. For clinicians, every new diagnostic assessment provides an occasion for a critical analysis of past experiences, and the feasibility of assimilating new information and findings from the contemporary empirical investigation of the diagnostic assessment and treatment of personality disorders.

Prevalence and correlates of erectile dysfunction among long-distance commercial vehicle drivers and commercial motorcycle riders in Ibadan Nigeria: a comparative cross-sectional study.

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a global public health problem that affects the quality of life, interpersonal, occupational, and social functioning of sufferers. Despite being high-risk groups, there is a paucity of data on erectile dysfunction among commercial vehicle drivers and motorcycle riders. We aimed to determine and compare the prevalence and factors associated with ED among long-distance commercial vehicle drivers (CVDs) and commercial motorcycle riders (CMRs) in Ibadan, Nigeria. We used a comparative cross-sectional study design to enroll eligible male respondents in selected motor/motorcycle parks within Ibadan metropolis. Interviewer administered questionnaires were used to elicit sociodemographic/health-related characteristics, and ED status among participants. Data was analyzed using STATA version 12. Chi-square and Binary logistic regression were conducted to explore the association between ED and other covariates. Analyses were performed at 5% significance level. The prevalence of ED was significantly higher among motorcycle riders than vehicle drivers (71.4% vs 47.4%, p = 0.001). Predictors of ED among CMRs were monogamous marriage type and history of perineal injury; while among CVRs were aged above 40-years, history of perineal injury, and current use of alcohol. There is a need for public education and awareness programmes on ED to reduce the burden and improve well-being in these populations.

Intensive outpatient treatment for PTSD: an open trial combining prolonged exposure therapy, EMDR, and physical activity

ABSTRACT Background: Intensive outpatient treatment could be a promising option for patients with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Objective: The aim of the study was to test the effectiveness of an eight-day (two-week) intensive treatment for PTSD within a public health care setting (open trial design). Method: Eighty-nine patients were offered the choice between intensive treatment and spaced individual treatment, of which 34 (38.2%) chose the intensive format. Patients were assessed with self-report batteries and interviews at pre-treatment, start of treatment, post-treatment and three-month follow-up. Each day consisted of individual Prolonged Exposure therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapy, group psychoeducation, and physical activity. Therapists rotated between patients. Results: Between 55 and 62% of the patients showed a clinically significant change (recovery) in symptoms of PTSD, and the effect sizes were large (d = 1.38–1.52). Patients also showed reduction in symptoms of depression and anxiety, along with improved well-being and interpersonal functioning. Changes in social and work functioning were more ambiguous. There were no dropouts, attendance was high, and patients were highly satisfied with the treatment. Conclusions: The intensive programme was an attractive and effective treatment option for patients with PTSD.

Does personality functioning relate to attitude toward minorities?

The relationship between negative attitudes and psychopathology is not yet clear. The current shift to a dimensional approach to mental disorders, as reflected in both the DSM-5 and ICD-11 models of personality disorders, seems to enrich the traditional approach to study attitudes. This study investigates whether and how impairments in personality functioning are linked to attitudes toward minorities. A comparison of levels of impairment in global and Self and interpersonal personality functioning, negative attitudes, social distance, and racism was conducted in the sample of 127 adults from the general population group (n = 69) and a group of people with diagnosed personality disorders (n = 58). Differences between both groups were found. The personality disorders group showed higher impairment in personality functioning, scored higher on negative attitude measures, and was more prone to the blatant expression of attitudes than the general population. The association between attitudes and personality functioning did not fully reflect these trends. However, given the nature of differences, it is suspected that the proclivity to the blatant expression of negative attitudes could go beyond negative attitudes toward minorities themselves and reflect disorder-related characteristics, that is, more problematic and conflicted relationships with others in general.

Ruptures or Disruption: Identity Diffusion and the Therapeutic Relationship

In the psychotherapy of personality disorders, the limitations of the self and of interpersonal functioning that underlie all personality pathology are both a main treatment focus and a major obstacle in doing so. These limitations are most intensely manifested within the primary aspect of the psychotherapeutic relationship. The core of personality disorders–identity diffusion–refers to a self, tormented by insignificance and annihilation, and by disconnectedness and mistrust. The infant will have internalized a mental state called the alien self that persists alongside an agentive self. This split leads to two domains of primitive dyadic object relations: one dominated by projection of epistemic yearning onto an idealized object, the other by projection of self-rejection onto a demonized object. The therapist remains an alien object in this way, making cooperation within therapy momentarily or even structurally impossible, with a negative impact on the working relationship, and a greater role of the realistic relationship.

Insight trajectories and their impact on psychosocial functioning: A 10-year follow-up study in first episode psychosis patients.

Insight has been considered a core symptom of psychosis and closely related to functional outcome. However, little is known regarding the role of insight and its progression in different long-term functioning subdomains among First Episode Psychosis (FEP) patients. A total of 209 participants were followed up over a 10-year period. Latent class mixed models were used to identify trajectory classes in each of the three different insight dimensions. Multivariate analyses were performed to explore predictive value of insight dimensions and its long-term trajectories in psychosocial functioning over a 10-year follow-up period including in the analyses a complete set of baseline and follow-up measures. Three different trajectories (improvement, continued awareness, and worsening) were differentiated in each of the insight dimensions, resulting continued awareness the most common trajectory. Awareness into mental illness at baseline represented one of the main predictors of very long-term instrumental and global functioning. Moreover, enhancement/maintenance of illness awareness was significantly related to better interpersonal functioning. Early intervention programs that promote the acquisition of awareness in the very early stages of the psychotic disorder could have a relevant impact on long-term functioning in FEP patients. Insight dimensions showed mostly trait-like properties although a considerable proportion of FEP patients experienced changes in insight dimensions over the follow-up period. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).

The Analysis of Interpersonal Function in BTS’ Speech at UNGA 2020

This article investigates the Interpersonal function in the speech by BTS at the 75th UN General Assembly. The objective is to find out the Mood types and to describe the Interpersonal function realized in BTS’ speech. Qualitative method is used in this study. The data were collected from the clauses in BTS’ speech at UNGA. Through this study, it is found that the Mood types in BTS’ speech at UNGA are Declarative mood (92,30%), Imperative mood (6,59%), and Interrogative mood (1,09%). The findings also revealed the dominant Mood types is Declarative which is used to share or to give information to the audience. For the Interpersonal function, it is realized through Mood structures which contains the Mood and Residue elements. Through Mood elements, it is found that there are Subject, Finite, and Mood Adjunct. While in Residue elements, there are Predicator, Complement, and Circumstantial Adjunct.

A Contrastive Analysis of Lexical Features of Government Work Report for 2020 and Its Translation—From the Perspective of Halliday’s Three Meta-Functions Theory

The translation of government work report (GWR) should not only be faithful to the spirit of the original text, but also close to the stylistic features of target language and the context. These features correspond to the Ideational, Interpersonal and Textual functions of Three Meta-functions Theory, which is of great research value in the current circumstance beset by COVID-19. Taking 2020 GWR as the research material due to its special social environment, this paper makes a systematic comparative study of lexical features between the source text and its English translation based on three meta-functions theory. Through quantitative statistics and qualitative text analysis, the realization and distribution of three meta-functions in the source text and its translation are discussed. At the same time, the reasons for the equivalence and non-equivalence between two texts are explored to summarize corresponding modification suggestions and translation strategies. Through comparative analysis, it is found that for ideational process, the discrepancy is significant in terms of material and relational processes between the source text and its translation. For interpersonal function, the source text mainly uses modal operators of high value while the translation the median. And for textual function, there were many additions of first-person plural pronouns in translation due to its writing habits. These findings can help better understand the language mechanism and connotation of the translation of GWR, thus enriching their research perspective to some extent.

The pragmatic functions of tu and lei in films: Converging patterns of address across translated and original Italian dialogue

Address pronouns are strategies employed to position participants and express interpersonal meanings in real-life communication and on-screen. They straddle two areas of typological contrast as languages differ in terms of presence/absence of grammatical address and subject obligatoriness. In Italian, a binary distinction is established between the informal T-pronoun tu and the formal V-pronoun lei, while English lacks a T/V distinction. Concurrently, whereas English is an obligatory subject language, subject pronouns are as a rule optional in Italian. As no research has tackled the pragmatics of expressed address pronouns in film dialogue and audiovisual translation from English, the study investigates the occurrence of tu and lei in a corpus of original and dubbed Italian films and their discoursal and interpersonal functions. These were found to include shift of focus of attention, turn management, contrast, conflict, politeness and character's identification, variably associated with each address pronoun. The qualitative and quantitative analyses reveal noticeable convergence between translated and original dialogue, with dubbing reflecting the pragmatic expressiveness of domestic Italian films, while showing no shining through of the source language. Address pronouns play a crucial role in Italian film language, adding pragmatic weight to characters’ turns and enriching the dialogue intradiagetically and extradiagetically.

Engagement in Chinese criminal judgments

Abstract Based on the engagement system in Appraisal Theory and taking 100 Chinese criminal judgments as data, this paper analyzes the distribution features and interpersonal functions of engagement resources in Chinese criminal judgments. The findings are as follows. First, in Chinese criminal judgments, dialogic contractive resources outnumber dialogic expansive ones. Of the nine types of engagement resources, Deny takes the largest proportion. Entertain, Acknowledge, Pronounce, and Endorse are also favored by judges, while Counter, Endorse+Pronounce, Concede, Endorse+Acknowledge, and Distance are much less favored. Second, the dialogic space is adjusted in different parts of judgments due to different engagement strategies, narrowing down in the Head, Fact, and Reason parts, then nearly closing up in the Result part, and finally opening up in the Ending part. Third, Deny, Pronounce, Endorse+Pronounce, Endorse, and Distance are used to show that criminal judgments are just, authoritative, persuasive, and compulsory. By acknowledging the arguments and submissions that have been presented, judges are showing respect for the litigation rights of the various parties, while the featured strategies of Counter, Concede, and Entertain increase the acceptability of the judgments.