Examining the Contribution of Perfectionistic Traits to the Construct Validity of the DSM-5 Alternative Model of Personality Disorder

Abstract

Scholars of perfectionism have proposed significant modifications to DSM-5's alternative model of personality disorders (AMPD), such that (1) perfectionism be expanded beyond the inclusion of a singular trait—rigid perfectionism—and (2) perfectionistic traits be specified as trait descriptors of personality disorders (PDs) other than obsessive-compulsive PD. In this study, we evaluate these proposals by examining the degree to which (a) perfectionistic traits are already instantiated in Section II and Section III models of personality pathology; and (b) perfectionistic traits meaningfully augment the construct validity of AMPD PDs. We conducted these approaches in a large sample (N =3D 435) from an Iranian undergraduate population that is atypically found in the literature. Results showed that perfectionistic traits are already fairly well instantiated in Section III Criterion B. Perfectionistic traits minimally improved the construct validity of OCPD, but did not meaningfully do so for other PDs. Future investigation into the clinical utility of perfectionistic traits is needed.