Journal of Depression and Anxiety
Open Access

Abstract

The Dark Side of Poor Adjustment: Personality Disorders and Trait Neuroticism

Adrian F

This paper reports on two studies, with large adult populations, which examined “dark-side” correlates (subclinical Personality Disorders: PDs) of two established measures of Neuroticism (N). It aimed to examine the relationship between the PDs and trait N. In the first study, 5300 British adults completed the Adjustment scale of the Hogan Personality Inventory (HPI) as well as the Hogan Development Survey (HDS) which measures the Personality Disorders (PDs). Results showed that people who score high on Excitable (Borderline), Cautious (Avoidant) and Sceptical (Paranoid) had low Adjustment (high Neuroticism), though there were significant differences between the different facets scores. In the second study, 6700 British adults completed the NEO-PI-R Neuroticism Scale with five Domain and six facet scores as well as the HDS. Regressions on the Domain and Facet scores showed a similar pattern: people scoring high on Cautious (Avoidant) and to a lesser extent Excitable (Borderline) and Sceptical (Paranoid) had higher Neuroticism scores. Similarities and differences in the findings for the two studies are considered. Limitations are also discussed.