Comparing the interpersonal profiles of obsessive-compulsive personality disorder and avoidant personality disorder: Are there homogeneous profiles or interpersonal subtypes?

Abstract

Previous studies have shown that individuals with personality disorder (PD) suffer from significant interpersonal distress. Some PDs, such as avoidant personality disorder (AvPD), have been characterized with a clear homogeneous interpersonal profile. Other PDs, such as obsessive-compulsive personality disorder (OCPD), have shown significant heterogeneity rather than a distinct profile. Our study aimed to compare these two PDs and determine their interpersonal profiles. Analyses included 43 patients with OCPD and 64 with AvPD recruited in 2 clinical trials. They completed the Inventory of Interpersonal Problems at baseline (Alden, Wiggins, & Pincus, 1990). Structural summary and circular statistic methods were used to examine group interpersonal profile. Cluster analysis was used to identify subtypes within the OCPD and AvPD samples. The AvPD sample demonstrated a homogeneous interpersonal profile placed in the socially avoidant octant of the circumplex. In contrast, the OCPD group exhibited a heterogeneous interpersonal profile, with two subtypes on opposite sides of the circumplex: (a) “aggressive” (i.e., vindictive-domineering) and (b) “pleasing” (i.e., submissive-exploitable). Both clusters demonstrated homogeneous, prototypical, and distinct interpersonal profiles. Our findings show that individuals with either OCPD or AvPD exhibit significant interpersonal distress. Although AvPD may be inherently an interpersonal PD, OCPD cannot classified into one homogenous profile, but rather two distinct interpersonal subgroups. The heterogeneity may be explained by the presence of interpersonal subtypes. Detection of subtypes can inform future research on treatment targets as well as personalized interventions, tailored to patients’ specific interpersonal difficulties.

Loneliness in Personality Disorders

“…There is a lack of studies that assess loneliness in obsessive–compulsive PD or traits. Solomonov et al [ 55 ] assessed the interpersonal profiles of N = 43 patients with obsessive–compulsive PD and identified two distinct clusters (domineering-vindictive or submissive-exploitable). Especially the first pattern can be assumed to challenge relationships, elicit rejection, and result in isolation and loneliness.…”

The Registration Continuum in Personality Disorder Studies: Theory, Rationale, and Template

“…Registering the data analytic framework that researchers intend to use allows them to consider the assumptions behind the models they use and how to ensure data meet those assumptions to avoid drawing erroneous conclusions. Models can be sensitive to the particulars of the measures used: for instance, using structural summary variables instead of correlations among interpersonal octants revealed homogeneous socially avoidant/nonassertive avoidant personality disorder profiles but heterogeneous domineering and exploitable obsessive-compulsive personality disorder profiles (Solomonov et al, 2020). Models should be registered contemporaneously with the number of observations to aid in power or sensitivity analyses.…”

Latent profile analysis of interpersonal problems: Attachment, basic psychological need frustration, and psychological outcomes.

“…A number of studies have investigated clinical samples to understand the interpersonal profiles of specific psychopathology (Simon et al, 2015) or personality disorders (Solomonov et al, 2020). For example, Simon et al (2015) conducted latent profile analyses (LPA) and SSM to identify five interpersonal subtypes (Vindictive, Intrusive, Socially Avoidant, Exploitable, and Cold) for those with a clinical depression diagnosis.…”

“…Using cluster analysis and SSM, Gómez Penedo et al (2019) reported that cold interpersonal problems (too hostile) and overly nurturant interpersonal problems (too dependent) characterize patients with emotional disorders. Solomonov et al (2020) who used cluster analysis and SSM, reported that individuals with obsessive-compulsive personality disorder could be classified into two distinct interpersonal subgroups on opposite sides of the interpersonal problem circumplex: (a) “aggressive” (i.e., Vindictive-Domineering) and (b) “pleasing” (i.e., Submissive-Exploitable). Other research found that patients with eating disorders exhibited a profile of non-assertive and friendly-submissive interpersonal problems (Ung et al, 2017).…”