Examining the Nomological Network of the Gerontological Personality Disorders Scale in Late-Life Psychopathology.

OBJECTIVES

Older adults (≥60 years) remain underrepresented in research on personality dysfunction despite its prevalence and associated impairments. This study examined how the Gerontological Personality Disorders Scale (GPS) relates to a broader network of psychopathology and personality constructs using a multi-informant design.

METHODS

Data from 320 older adults and informant dyads were analyzed. Age-specific and age-neutral measures of psychopathology and personality pathology were included. The GPS nomological network was examined using correlations and the Bass-Ackwards method.

RESULTS

GPS demonstrated a broad nomological network. Both self- and informant-reported GPS were associated with internalizing symptoms, but informant reports indicated stronger associations with maladaptive traits. Hierarchical analysis identified a general factor on which both GPS versions loaded strongly. At lower levels, the structure differentiated by reporting perspective: self-reported GPS aligned with the internalizing thought-disorder factor, whereas informant-reported GPS aligned with the insecurity factor.

CONCLUSIONS

In later life, personality dysfunction appears closely linked to general psychological distress, with perspective-dependent differentiation emerging at more specific levels. Results suggest that self- and informant-reported GPS capture distinct aspects of dysfunction.

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Multi-informant assessment is particularly important in older adults, as self- and informant reports provide complementary information about subjective distress and observable patterns of maladaptive behavior.