A Bright Side Analysis of Subclinical Schizoid Personality Disorder: a NEO-PI-R Domain and Facet Analysis of the HDS Reserved Scale
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Central Annals of Psychiatry and Mental Health Research Article *Corresponding author Adrian Furnham; Norwegian Business School (BI), Nydalveien, Olso, Norway; Email: [email protected] A Bright Side Analysis of Submitted: 20 May 2020 Accepted: 23 June 2020 Published: 25 June 2020 Subclinical Schizoid Personality Copyright © 2020 Furnham A ISSN: 2374-0124 Disorder: A NEO-PI-R Domain OPEN ACCESS Keywords and Facet Analysis of the HDS • Schzoid • Reserved • Big Five Reserved Scale • Agreeableness • Introverts Adrian Furnham* Norwegian Business School (BI), Norway Abstract Background: This study looks at the “bright-side” (normal), personality trait correlates of the “dark-side” subclinical Schizoid Personality Disorder. Methods: Over 5000 British adults completed the NEO-PI-R which measures the Big Five Personality factors at the Domain and the Facet level, as well as the Hogan Development Survey which has a measure of Schizoid Personality Disorder (SPD) called Reserved. Results: Correlation and regression results confirmed many of the associations between these “bright” and “dark” side individual difference variables. Reserved people tended to be Disagreeable Introverts who tended to be Neurotic and low on Conscientiousness. Conclusions: The study confirmed work on SPD using different population groups and different measures, showing that it is possible to describe personality disorders in terms of extreme scores on personality traits. INTRODUCTION which attempt to link together these systems [6,7]. Reviews have attempted to set out the possible relationship between the Facets This study looks at “bright side”, normal personality trait scores from the Five Factor Model and the personality disorders. correlates of the “dark side” trait, subclinical Schizoid Personality An important early review of this relationship was done by Disorder (SPD). It examines the relationship between “normal” Samuel and Widiger [8], who combined the data from 16 studies personality traits measured at the Domain (Super Factor) and with a total N of 3207. Most of the participants were students Facet (Factor) level, and subclinical SPD called in the Hogan (12 groups) and some outpatients. Further, they had completed Developmental Survey [1], Reserved. It examined the association very different personality disorder instruments, yet nearly between sub-clinical SPD and Domains and Facets of the Big Five always the same personality instrument (NEO-PI-R) which was personality traits, currently the most well used and conception of used in this study. They analysed the results at both the Domain “normal”, “bright-side” personality in psychological research on and Facet level and compared their results to an earlier and personality and individual differences (NEO-PI-R) [2]. similar review by Saulsman and Page [9]. They showed that For many years there was little rapprochement between Schizoid was correlated positively with two Neuroticism Facets psychologists working on personality traits and psychiatrists (Depressive; Self-Conscious) and correlated negatively with all working on the personality disorders. Some psychologists like six Extraversion facets particularly E2 (Gregariousness). The Eysenck proposed what is now called the spectrum hypothesis, this sense those with SPD could be called Melancholic as opposed namely that one could understand many mental illnesses in toonly Phlegmatic. other significant facet correlation was with A1 (Trust). In terms of extreme scores on “normal” personality functioning [3], though this has been challenged [4]. However a recent Bastiaansen, Rossi, Schotte and De Fruyt [10], noted study supported the dimensional as opposed to the categorical that compared to the other PDs there were fewest Big Five conception of SPD [5]. Facet correlations with SPD except those with Introversion. Personality Traits and Personality Disorders psychiatric patients and showed there was complete agreement There have been various attempts to integrate ‘normal’ and aboutBastiaansen, the following Rossi and Facets De beingFruyt linked[11], examined to SPD: E1 five (Warmth), data sets E2, in ‘abnormal’ personality structure and numerous important papers (Gregariousness), E6 (Positive Emotions) and O3 (Feelings). Cite this article: Furnham A (2020) A Bright Side Analysis of Subclinical Schizoid Personality Disorder: A NEO-PI-R Domain and Facet Analysis of the HDS Reserved Scale. Ann Psychiatry Ment Health 8(2): 1150. Furnham A (2020) Central This study attempted to investigate the Domain and Facet to help selectors and individuals themselves diagnose how correlates of SPD on a large adult sample completing a standard they typically react under work stress. The HDS focuses only measure of “normal” “bright-side” personality: the NEO-PI-R [12], on the core construct of each disorder from a dimensional and the now extensively used Hogan Development Survey (Hogan perspective [23]. & Hogan, 2009), which is a measure based on the Personality one’s distorted beliefs about others that emerge when people Disorders categories but used with normal populations and has encounter stress or These stop consideringdysfunctional how dispositionstheir actions reflectaffect others. Over time, these dispositions may become associated with varying degrees of psychometric evidence of their validity with a person’s reputation and can impede job performance and [14].an SPD This scale is part [13]. of There a systematic are at least programme seven specific examining SPD measures facets of career success. The HDS is not a medical or clinical assessment the dark-side, subclinical personality disorders [15-22]. instrument. It does not measure PDs, which are manifestations of mental disorder. Instead, the HDS assesses self-defeating Schizoid Personality Disorder expressions of normal personality. The DSM-5 [31], makes this The DSM manuals all note that SPD is characterised by same distinction between behavioral traits and disorders – self- a pattern of indifference to social relationships as well as a defeating behaviours, such as those predicted by the HDS, come restricted range of emotional experience and expression. SPD and go depending on the context. In contrast, PDs are enduring is sometimes thought of as very low Emotional Intelligence. and pervasive across contexts. The SPD person neither desires nor enjoys close relationships, The HDS has been cross-validated with the MMPI personality including being part of a family. They have few close friends alphas between 0.50 and 0.70 with an average of 0.64 and test- rarely reciprocates gestures or facial expressions, such as smiles disorder scales. Fico, Hogan and Hogan (2000) report coefficient or confidants and displays constricted affect, e.g. is aloof, cold, retest reliabilities (n = 60) over a three-month interval ranging or nods. from 0.50 to 0.80, with an average of 0.68. Various relatively Hogan and Hogan [23], call these types self-absorbed, self- small scale studies have used the HDS and have shown it to be focused, indifferent to the feelings or opinions of others. They a robust, reliable and valid instrument [27-29, 32]. Indeed it has suggest that they are introverted, misanthropic, imperceptive, and lacking in social insight with very low emotional intelligence. correlated with various aspects of work success like stress They also appear thick skinned and indifferent to rejection or tolerancebeen shown (r=-.19), that, asreliability predicted, (r=-.18) Reserved as well scores as sales are (r=.39) significant and criticism. They prefer to work alone, and are more interested in managerial (r=-.28) potential (N=4943) [33]. data and things than in people. They are often uncommunicative This study was concerned with the Reserved measure derived and insensitive, which makes them unpredictable and from the HDS. The HDS gives scores that are labelled “no risk, unrewarding, and they have trouble building or maintaining a low risk, moderate risk and high risk” and may be considered team. as a measure of sub-clinical SPD. The idea is that high scores can be an indicator of business derailment, because reserved are clues to the presence of the SPD: They have little need for people show a companionshipOldham and andMorris are [24], most note comfortable five traits alone. and behaviours They are self-that social feedback or the moods and feelings of others. The manual contained and do not require interaction with others in order to [30], provides correlationstendency to between be self-sufficient the Reserved and indifferentscale and the to enjoy their experiences. They tend to be even-tempered, calm, 16PF (N=145). The highest correlations were for Warmth (-.42), Liveliness (-.44), Social Boldness (-.42), Privateness (.44) and by sexual needs. They also seem unmoved and unswayed by Self-Reliance (.46). It also provides correlations for the IPIP Big dispassionate, unsentimental, and unflappable. Few are driven 5, 20-item scales (N=128): Extraversion (-.54); Agreeableness, their own behaviour. (-.48); Conscientiousness (-.09); Emotional Stability (.04); and either praise or criticism and can confidently come to terms with Intellect/Imagination (-.12). Whilst there is a relatively limited literature on SPD there are many critiques of the concept. Some researchers have argued This study is concerned with which of the 30 Facets (six for that SPD people split into two groups: the affect constricted and each of the Big Five Personality scores) is related to Reserved. the seclusive and that “comparatively little evidence exists