Background Personality disorders are a multi-theoretical construct that encompasses predictable and quantifiable behavioral, cognitive, and affective characteristics in individuals. Previous studies underscore the existence of a relationship between personality disorders and defense mechanisms, these being coping styles that arise unconsciously in the face of adversity and that have adaptive purposes. There is evidence that alludes to a connection between pathological personality, defense mechanisms, and their relationship with negative mental health outcomes, such as depressive and anxious symptoms. The objective of this study was to study, psychometrically measure, and associate personality disorders, defense mechanisms, and depressive and anxious symptoms. Methodology A cross-sectional study was conducted on 81 participants with major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and panic disorder who received treatment at a tertiary care institution between July 2021 and February 2022. Psychometric instruments were employed to evaluate the study variables, such as the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D), the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A), the Personality Diagnostic Questionnaire - Version 4 (PDQ-4) Plus, and the 40-item Defensive Styles Questionnaire (DSQ-40). Results Depressive and anxious symptoms were related to the scores obtained in the Defensive Styles Questionnaire and the Personality Disorders Questionnaire. Some defense mechanisms were positive predictors of the score between these scales. Conclusions There is a relationship between personality traits and defense mechanisms that could influence the development and severity of depressive and anxious psychopathology in this population.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
customersupport@researchsolutions.com
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.