An Empirical Comparison of Interpersonal and DSM-III Approaches to Classification of Personality Disorders

In recent years, a number of authors have attempted to map correspondences between interpersonal models and traditional psychiatric classification. Many of the proposed relationships are plausible from a theoretical standpoint, but at present little empirical evidence has been gathered in support of these speculations. This paper describes the results of a project that suggests that the convergence of these two approaches to personality taxonomy is not as high as might be expected. In particular, it seems that DSM-III personality disorders are not as differentiated with respect to affiliative needs as has been hypothesized. 1985 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.

An Empirical Comparison of Interpersonal and DSM-III Approaches to Classification of Personality Disorders Academic Article