Relationships between personality disorder attributes and friendship qualities among college students

Abstract

Personality disorder trait predictors of the quality and durability of close personal friendships have rarely been examined in the literature. Links between Acquaintance Description Form (ADF-F2) friendship qualities and Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory (MCMI-II) personality disorder attributes were explored in this study of 363 college students. Passive-Aggressive, Avoidant, Schizotypal, Sadistic-Aggressive, Antisocial, Borderline, and Self-Defeating features were most closely associated with friendship insecurity. Participants exhibiting Passive-Aggressive, Self-Defeating and Borderline features tended to view their closest friendship as being more strongly influenced by external social forces. Passive-Aggressive scores and Personal Maintenance Difficulty were positively related. Histrionic traits were associated with descriptions of the closest friend as affirming and useful in utilitarian value. Sex differences were minimal in the prediction of relationship qualities using the MCMI-II personality disorder dimensions.