Examining the Interpersonal Nature of Criterion A of the DSM–5 Section III Alternative Model for Personality Disorders Using Bootstrapped Confidence Intervals for the Interpersonal Circumplex

Criterion A of the alternative model of personality disorders (AMPD) involves the assessment of impairments in self and self in relation to other functioning and can be assessed using the Level of Personality Functioning Scale (LPFS). This study uses responses to a self-report version of the LPFS (AMPD–CAS) from 248 college students to examine the interpersonal implications of AMPD personality impairments using the interpersonal circumplex (IPC) as a nomological net. Results suggest that AMPD–CAS self-impairments are related to problems of low communion and interpersonal distress and do not appear to tap expected interpersonal problems of low agency. Additionally, AMPD–CAS identity is specifically associated with sensitivity to control, suggesting that individuals with diffuse identity find it aversive and intrusive when others take the lead. AMPD–CAS self in relation to other impairments are related to being too argumentative and suspicious of others, having difficulty connecting and caring for others, and finding others' affection and reliance aversive. Both self and self in relation to other AMPD–CAS impairments are related to interpersonal distress and misanthropy, suggesting they tap pathological aspects of personality functioning. These findings represent a first step toward fully examining the interpersonal nature of Criterion A impairments and provides preliminary evidence for the construct validity of AMPD–CAS scores.