SPA 2023 - Diverse methods available for measuring personality functioning-A review and discussion

Abstract

Dimensional models of personality have gained increased attention and demonstrate superiority over categorical models in both validity (Zimmermann et al., 2019) and clinical utility (Bornstein & Natoli, 2019). A central feature of dimensional models existent in current classification systems (e.g., DSM-5, ICD-11) is the importance of assessing severity of personality impairment (i.e., level of personality functioning impairment). Professional practice guidelines for personality assessment (Krishnamurthy et al., 2022) emphasize the benefits of multimethod assessment and strongly advise psychologists to use “multiple methods of measurement to simultaneously quantify the latent construct(s) of interest” (p. 10). Taken together, knowledge of the diverse methods available for measuring personality functioning appears paramount for the practice of personality assessment and research. This symposium will present four distinct methods available for measuring personality functioning: (1) self-report, (2) interview, (3) ecological momentary assessment, and (4) performance-based methods. Following introduction of a given method, each presenter will discuss the method’s empirical support, strengths and limitations, and the unique information (incremental validity) made available when the method is added to an assessment battery. A clinical case will be presented and the symposium will conclude with an expert discussant sharing their views of the diverse measurement methods, important considerations for integrating multimethod data in effort to gain a comprehensive understanding of an individual’s personality functioning, and their recommendations for future research and practice.

Chair

Adam Natoli |Sam Houston State University

Discussant

Leslie Morey | Texas A&M University

Goals and Objectives

1. Describe the advantages and limitations of four distinct methods for measuring personality functioning impairment.
2. Identify the unique information provided by each measurement method and select the methods that fit their research or clinical needs.