The Fitness of DSM-5 Personality Disorders Alternative Model in Predicting the Symptoms of Cluster B Personality Disorders in a Non-clinical Population

Personality disorders have a wide range and pervasive effects on personal life and interpersonal relationships. Understanding the factors predisposing to personality disorders helps obtain a more accurate understanding of suitable preventive measures and treat these disorders. The aim of this study was to evaluate the fitness of an alternative model for DSM-5 personality disorders in predicting the symptoms of cluster B personality disorders in a non-clinical population. For this purpose, in a descriptive cross-sectional study, 52 students studying in the universities of East Azerbaijan province of Iran were selected by the accessible sampling method. These students were evaluated for personality disorders. The results of structural equation modeling indicated a positive and significant relationship between abnormal personality dimensions and cluster B personality disorders. According to correlation coefficients, the abnormal personality dimensions of negative emotions, failure, opposition, uncontrollably, and psychosis were significantly associated with cluster B personality disorders, including antisocial personality disorder, borderline personality disorder, histrionic personality disorder, and narcissistic personality disorder (P<0.05). The results of structural equations also indicated that abnormal personality dimensions, both in terms of the items and in general, could predict the symptoms of cluster B personality disorders. Overall, the results of this study showed a significant correlation between cluster B personality disorder and abnormal personality dimensions. In addition, the strength of this relationship could predict abnormal personality dimensions.