The personality structure questionnaire (PSQ): a measure of the multiple self states model of identity disturbance in cognitive analytic therapy

Abstract

The Multiple Self-States Model (MSSM) of Cognitive Analytic Therapy (CAT) conceptualizes identity disturbances in personality, particularly borderline personality disorder. The Personality Structure Questionnaire (PSQ) has been devised to measure deficits in personality integrity and represent an assessment measure of the MSSM. A spectrum of multiplicity in the self and dissociation is implied within the MSSM with gradation from borderline personality to dissociative identity disorder. The construction, psychometric properties, reliability, validity and clinical utility of the PSQ as a measure of the MSSM are described based on data from the present study and that of Broadbent, Clarke and Ryle (The Personality Structure Questionnaire: a brief self-report measure of personality integration. Unpublished manuscript) and its relationship to psychological constructs of identity integrity is investigated. A series of non-clinical and clinical groups of participants were administered the PSQ and other standardized measures. The PSQ was shown to be a reliable self-report measure and factor analysis revealed it to be unidimensional and to correlate convergently 60 P. Pollock et al.with multiplicity, dissociation and constructs related to identity disturbance. Regression analysis indicated the PSQ to be predicted by greater multiplicity. The PSQ, in combination with other constructs, also discriminated between diagnosed clinical groups (psychotherapy patients, borderline personality disorder and dissociative identity disorder). The PSQ is shown to be a brief, psychometrically sound self-report measure of identity disturbance as conceptualized by the MSSM in CAT. The applicability of the PSQ and its relevance to the concepts of multiplicity and dissociation within the MSSM of CAT are discussed.

The Associations of Borderline Personality Disorder Symptoms, Five-Factor Model Personality Dimensions, and Personality Fragmentation among Depressed Inpatients

“…We used the PSQ as a self-report questionnaire of personality fragmentation [24,33]. It contains eight contradictory statement pairs related to within-person variation in personality depicting the amount of fragmentation of self-concept, manifesting as partially dissociated behavioral and emotional patterns.…”

“…As stated, these personality dimensions have previously been associated with BPD and/or MDD separately [15][16][17][18]24,25] but their specific associations to BPD among depressed patients are unknown. Based on previous findings, we hypothesize that higher Neuroticism, lower Agreeableness and lower Conscientiousness are associated with increased BPD symptoms within a depressed sample.…”

“…The MSSM sees the amount of this structural dissociation between self-states as predictive of BPD severity [21][22][23]. This extent of structural dissociation between self-states is conceptualized as personality multiplicity or personality fragmentation, and it can be measured with the Personality Structure Questionnaire (PSQ) [24]. This level of personality fragmentation has been found to at least partially not correspond with dissociative identity disorder and normal intraindividual variation in emotion and behavior patterns and personality; indicating that this characteristic may be specific to BPD [24,25].…”

“…This extent of structural dissociation between self-states is conceptualized as personality multiplicity or personality fragmentation, and it can be measured with the Personality Structure Questionnaire (PSQ) [24]. This level of personality fragmentation has been found to at least partially not correspond with dissociative identity disorder and normal intraindividual variation in emotion and behavior patterns and personality; indicating that this characteristic may be specific to BPD [24,25]. Indeed, previous studies have shown that BPD patients score higher on personality fragmentation than individuals with no mental disorder and patients with dissociative disorder [24] or patients with other personality disorders [25].…”

Assessment of identity disturbance: Factor structure and validation of the Personality Structure Questionnaire in an Italian sample.

“…A specific measure was subsequently developed based on the MSSM and has been previously tested in two separate studies in the UK; this 8-item measure is titled the Personality Structure Questionnaire (PSQ). In the first validation study (Pollock, Broadbent, Clarke, Dorrian, & Ryle, 2001) ratings were used via the Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF; Jones, Thornicroft, Coffey & Dunn, 1995). This enables clinicians to rate independently for symptom level and impairment to functioning.…”