Relationship of personality disorders to observer ratings of interpersonal style in forensic psychiatric patients

J Pers Disord. 1998 Spring;12(1):77-85. doi: 10.1521/pedi.1998.12.1.77.

Abstract

Interpersonal theorists have conceptualised personality disorders as extreme styles defined by the interpersonal circle. Tests of this proposition have previously relied on self-report measures of interpersonal style. This study examined the relationships between observer ratings of interpersonal style (Chart of Interpersonal Reactions in Closed Living Environment [CIR-CLE]) and the personality disorder scales of the Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory (MCMI-I) in a sample of male forensic psychiatric inpatients (N = 104). Statistically significant interpersonal components were found for most personality disorder scales, but relationships were generally modest. The results are consistent with the view that the interpersonal circle provides a partial classification of personality disorders.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Chi-Square Distribution
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Dominance-Subordination
  • Forensic Psychiatry / statistics & numerical data
  • Humans
  • Interpersonal Relations*
  • Male
  • Models, Psychological
  • Observation
  • Personality Disorders / psychology*
  • Prisoners / psychology
  • Social Perception