Just a phase? The role of age in the relation between discrepancies in parent and adolescent reported pathological personality traits and adolescent functioning.

Abstract

In the last decade, there has been a rapid growth of research in the field of adolescent personality pathology. Specifically, with the development of the Alternative Model of Personality Disorders, the focus has shifted from a categorical approach to a dimensional approach, with attention on pathological personality traits and personality functioning. Additionally, research has focused on the benefits of gathering perspectives of multiple informants when assessing psychopathology. This study aimed to connect these developments, by examining the role of age in the association between parent-adolescent discrepancies in reports on pathological personality traits and adolescent-reported personality functioning. In a clinical sample, adolescents aged 14-24 (N=130), and their parents, filled in questionnaires on pathological personality traits (negative affect, detachment, antagonism, disinhibition and psychoticism) and personality functioning (self- and interpersonal functioning). Results indicated that levels of informant discrepancies were higher for internalizing personality traits, compared to externalizing personality traits. However, results showed no association between parent-adolescent discrepancies on pathological personality traits and adolescent-reported personality functioning. Additionally, there were no indications that age plays a role. Multiple explanations for these results were discussed. Future research that keeps in mind some of the limitations is recommended, as a better understanding of discrepancy in perceptions of parents and adolescents in personality pathology and its association with adolescent functioning will add to the ever-growing field of adolescent personality pathology and a more personal and dynamic approach.