Examining the Relationship Between Personality Disorder Traits and Inhibitory/Initiatory Self-Control and Dimensions of Self-Compassion

Personality disorders (PDs) are related to self-control deficiencies, but little is known about whether these deficiencies are related to inhibitory or initiatory self-control. In addition, individuals with PDs also show maladaptive responses to difficult life events, but little is also known about how an individual with a specific PD reacts to stressful life events. Thus, this preliminary study aimed at investigating the relationship between personality disorder traits and inhibitory and initiatory self-control as well as components of self-compassion (including its dimensions self-kindness_self-judgment, common humanity_isolation, mindfulness_over-identification). To do so, 400 university students completed the Personality Diagnostic Questionnaire, Self-Control Scale, and Self-Compassion Scale. Stepwise multiple regression analyses revealed that the total personality disorder scores were predicted by high scores on self-judgment, low scores on inhibitory self-control, high scores on isolation and over-identification. Cluster A was predicted by high scores on over-identification, isolation, and low scores on inhibitory self-control. Cluster B was predicted by low scores on inhibitory self-control, high scores on isolation and self-judgment. Cluster C was predicted by high scores on self-judgment, low scores on initiatory self-control, high scores on isolation, and low scores on mindfulness. The results also showed that all personality disorder traits are associated with different aspects of self-control and self-compassion. This study provided preliminary findings showing each different personality disorder trait was characterized by deficiency of either inhibitory or initiatory self-control, as well as mostly negative dimensions of self-compassion.