Dimensional investigation of individual differences in personality disorder traits based on the three-dimensional model of personality self-regulation

The aim of the present study is to conduct a dimensional investigation of personality disorder traits based on the three-dimensional model of personality self-regulation (TDMPS). This model includes the following three basic elements for self-regulation: self-control, self-knowledge/mindfulness, and self-compassion. A total of 432 university students completed the Personality Diagnostic Questionnaire, Integrative Self-Knowledge Scale, Mindful Attention Awareness Scale, Self-Control Scale, Self-Compassion Scale, and Depression Anxiety Stress Scale. By controlling for demographic (age and gender) and psychopathological variables, the results of hierarchical regression analyses showed that the dimensional scores for schizotypal, narcissistic, and obsessive-compulsive personality disorders were characterized by deficiencies in mindfulness; antisocial personality disorder was characterized by deficiencies in self-control; paranoid personality disorder was characterized by deficiencies in mindfulness and self-compassion; histrionic personality disorder was characterized by deficiencies in mindfulness and self-control; avoidant and dependent personality disorders were characterized by deficiencies in self-knowledge and self-compassion; and finally, the dimensional scores of borderline personality disorder were characterized by deficiencies in all variables. Based on the findings, it can be concluded that personality disorders are, at least partly, separable based on TDMPS.