The Longitudinal Impact of DSM-5 Section III Specific Personality Disorders on Relationship Satisfaction

Maladaptive personality features, in the form of dimensional traits or symptoms of personality disorders, have been linked with lower levels of relationship satisfaction. Most of this research, however, has been cross-sectional, and little is known about the effect of specific personality disorder types, as measured dimensionally, on relationship satisfaction. In the current study, we used actor partner interdependence modeling (APIM) with self-reported personality traits from the Personality Inventory for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition and spouse-reported traits from the Personality Inventory for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition Informant Report Form. Composite scores for the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition Section III Specific Personality Disorder Types, based on combinations of PID facets as outlined in the Section III criteria, were used to predict relationship satisfaction 1 year after personality was assessed. The alternative model of personality disorders composites significantly predicted relationship satisfaction both cross-sectionally and longitudinally. Results indicated that spouse reports of personality disorder types from the alternative model of personality disorders framework were robust predictors of satisfaction. Thus, individuals who perceive their partners as high in personality pathology (at any point in a relationship) are likely to be subsequently dissatisfied in the relationship. Interventions targeting perceptions of one's partner might be an effective way to improve marital satisfaction for these individuals.