Capturing the Dynamics of Detachment Advancing Assessment of Schizoid and Avoidant Personalities

SPA E-Learning Center | 2025 SPA Convention

Abstract

This symposium explores interpersonal detachment, an understudied core dimension of personality and personality pathology, using trait-based and psychodynamic frameworks to illuminate the inter- and intrapersonal dynamics of schizoid and avoidant personality styles. Emphasizing the importance of nuanced assessment, the symposium integrates conceptual analyses and empirical data to differentiate dysfunctional detachment variants. Robert Bornstein will explore theoretical foundations and the assessment challenges of distinguishing diverse manifestations of interpersonal distancing, emphasizing the need to refine assessment approaches to capture the complex dynamics of detachment. Next, Daniel Winarick will present findings contrasting schizoid and avoidant traits in a nonclinical sample, highlighting key predictors—such as social anhedonia for schizoid traits and internalized shame for avoidant traits—while supporting their conceptualization as distinct entities. Shannon Thomson will present research using Blatt's Object Relations Inventory, demonstrating that avoidant traits are associated with reduced self-efficacy and positive self-regard, while schizoid traits show no such relationship. She will underscore the value of nontraditional assessment in understanding these dynamics. Feyza Urer will conclude by examining schizoid and avoidant personality styles through the Alternative Model of Personality Disorders, revealing distinct predictors for each within the context of contemporary trait models of personality pathology, such as high levels of detachment and negative affectivity predicted avoidant traits. In contrast, high detachment and low antagonism predicted schizoid traits. The symposium chair will synthesize how the varying assessment methods discussed offer unique insights into the clinical challenges of diagnosing and differentiating detached personality styles and explore broader implications for assessment and treatment.

Chair

Shannon Thomson | Adelphi University

Goals & Objectives

Goals: To provide a comprehensive overview of detachment as a dimension of personality, to explain clinical and assessment implications related to detachment, and help attendees describe empirical distinctiveness of schizoid and avoidant personalities, including gender and cultural influences on the understanding and expression of detachment.
Objective: Attendees will be able to compare and critique how varying assessment tools differentiate between schizoid and avoidant personalities.
Objective: Attendees will be able to explain the empirical evidence supporting the distinctiveness of schizoid and avoidant personalities.
Objective: Attendees will be able to analyze and discuss how gender and culture influence the expression of detachment in different contexts.

Presentations

Tracing the Evolution of Detachment: Conceptualizing Schizoid and Avoidant Personality Disorders

Robert Bornstein, Adelphi University, Garden City, NY

Toward resolution of a longstanding controversy in personality disorder diagnosis: Contrasting correlates of schizoid and avoidant traits.

Daniel Winarick, Psychologists NY and Robert Bornstein, Adelphi University, Garden City, NY

Toward a More Nuanced Perspective on Detachment: Differentiating Schizoid and Avoidant Personality Styles through Qualities of the Self-Representation

Shannon Thomson, Adelphi University and Robert Bornstein, Adelphi University, Garden City, NY

Deconstructing Detachment: Contrasting Trait Profiles in Community Adults with Schizoid Versus Avoidant Personality Styles

Feyza Urer, Adelphi University and Robert Bornstein, Adelphi University, Garden City, NY

Non-Member Price: $109

Member Price: $49