Lack of meaning, purpose and direction in life in personality disorder: A comparative quantitative approach using Livesley's General Assessment of Personality Disorder

AbstractMeaning in life is a motivational force and an existential theme for many people. The concept of meaning comprises purpose, comprehension and mattering. According to the Section III model of personality disorder (DSM ‐5), lack of meaning, purpose and direction in life is part of personality dysfunction. The present study aimed to determine the association between personality disorder (PD), personality dysfunction and ‘lack of meaning, purpose and direction’ as a distinct facet of personality dysfunction, using Livesley's self‐report questionnaire—the General Assessment of Personality Disorder. This comparative quantitative study showed significant differences in lack of meaning, purpose and direction bet ween a group of patients with PD (n = 126, PD with depressionn = 51 and PD without depressionn = 75), a group of non‐PD patients (n = 76, with depressionn = 27 and without depressionn = 49) and a control group (n = 444). The PD groups had similar scores as the non‐PD patients with depression. Lack of meaning was significantly associated with ‘difficulty setting and attaining goals’ in all groups, with ‘lack of affiliative relationships’ in the PD groups and ‘sense of inner emptiness’ in the PD group without depression and in controls. © 2019 John Wiley& Sons, Ltd.

Source: Personality and Mental Health - May 2, 2019 Category: Psychiatry Authors: A. Steen, H. Berghuis, A.W. Braam Tags: Research Article Source Type: research