The stability of the alternative model of personality disorders: Example of the situation related to Covid-19.

AIM AND SCOPE: This article aims to explore the relationships between two key levels (Criteria A and B) in the Alternative Model of Personality Disorders (AMPD). Specifically, it examines the articulation between the level of personality functioning (LPF) and the pathological personality dimensions (PPD) to understand their respective contributions to personality disorder (PD) diagnosis.

METHOD: We analyzed data collected through the LPFS-BR and PID-5-BF instruments from two randomized samples of non-clinical participants, gathered both before (n=124) and after (n=126) the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdown. Mediation analyses were conducted to clarify how LPF and PPD interact in the assessment of PDs.

RESULTS

Findings indicate notable intensity differences in LPF levels (P<0.001, Cohen's d>0.92), alongside high stability in both overall PD severity and PPD traits (P>0.05). Regression analysis allowed us to examine the combined effects of Lockdown, Identity, and Detachment on PD severity through mediation modelling. Results suggest that Identity mediates the effects of both Lockdown and Detachment, with Detachment also having a direct impact.

DISCUSSION: These results indicate that while certain aspects of the AMPD are context-sensitive, the PPD may offset these fluctuations through both direct and indirect mechanisms.