Role of Personality Functioning in Predicting Interpersonal and Emotional Problems

Personality functioning impairment (criterion A) is considered as one of the two essential criteria for diagnosing personality disorders in DSM-5. It includes self (identity and self-direction) and interpersonal (empathy and intimacy) components. This study aimed to investigate the role of personality functioning in predicting interpersonal and emotional problems.

A cross-sectional research was conducted in 245 eligible men and women selected by convenience sampling in Tehran, Iran, 2019. Data were collected using a demographic questionnaire, the Level of Personality Functioning Scale (LPFS-BF 2.0), the Inventory of Interpersonal Problems (IIP-32), and the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS). Data were analyzed applying Pearson correlation coefficient and hierarchical linear regression.

Findings showed significant positive correlations between all personality functioning components and interpersonal and emotional problems (P<0.01). Also, hierarchical regression showed that the interpersonal personality functioning (P<0.01) and the subscale of empathy (P<0.01) could significantly predict interpersonal problems. Furthermore, a significant positive relationship was found between interpersonal functioning and emotional problems (P<0.01). In the meantime, the intimacy functioning had a stronger predictive value than empathy (P<0.01).

Educational and interventional programs that could improve and adjust communication skills, and enhance empathy and intimacy in personality functioning could be of great help in overcoming interpersonal and emotional problems.