Predicting personality disorders based on Zuckerman's alternative five-factor model and ego strength

Personality disorders have a wide range and have pervasive effects on the individual life and interpersonal relationships. Understanding the underlying factors of personality disorders causes more accurate understanding and identification of preventive factors and finally helps them in treating. So, this study was aimed to predict personality disorders based on Zuckerman's Alternative Five-Factor Model (AFFM) and ego strength.
This research is a descriptive correlational study. The study population included all students in University of Moheghegh Ardabili in 2015 (n=14000). 150 subjects were selected by stratified random sampling and responded to Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory (MCMI) and Zuckerman-Kuhlman personality questionnaires and Psychosocial Inventory of Ego Strengths. The data were analyzed using Pearson correlation coefficient and simultaneous regression tests.
Regression analysis showed that factors of neuroticism-anxiety, aggression-hostility and sociability of AFFM can predict personality disorder Cluster A, elements of impulsive sensations seeking, aggression-hostility and sociability of AFFM and ego strength can predict personality disorder Cluster B and elements of neuroticism-anxiety, impulsive sensations seeking and sociability of AFFM can predict personality disorder Cluster C.
Findings of the current research could be the first step to understanding the usefulness of AFFM and ego strength by specialists in understanding personality disorders, using appropriate methods for predicting the incidence, prevention, and development of treatment methods.