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The Development of Criterion A Personality Pathology: The Relevance of Childhood Social Functioning for Young Adult Daily Self-Functioning

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Abstract

The DSM-5 alternative model for the diagnosis of personality disorders (AMPD) states that self- and interpersonal (Criterion A) dysfunction is necessary to diagnose a personality disorder, qualified by maladaptive personality trait profiles (Criterion B). This study tested whether childhood maladaptive personality traits predict interpersonal dysfunction during adolescence, which further predicts lower self-functioning in young adulthood. A mixed clinical-community sample of 157 10-year-olds participated for ten years. Social problems and personality traits were rated by parents at age 10 and 12. At age 20, young adults completed 14 daily ratings of self-functioning. Traits of emotional instability and disagreeableness predicted social problems and self-problems. Social problems predicted worse self-functioning in adulthood. An indirect effect of childhood narcissistic traits on higher levels of self-functioning via lower levels of social problems was found. Results are discussed in terms of their contribution to our understanding of the AMPD from a developmental perspective.

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Vanwoerden, S., Franssens, R., Sharp, C. et al. The Development of Criterion A Personality Pathology: The Relevance of Childhood Social Functioning for Young Adult Daily Self-Functioning. Child Psychiatry Hum Dev 53, 1148–1160 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10578-021-01187-6

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