Active versus reactive cooperativeness in Borderline Psychopathology: A dissection based on the HEXACO model of personality

J. Hepp, B.E. Hilbig, M. Moshagen, Ingo Zettler, C. Schmahl, I. Niedtfeld

9 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The concept of personality disorders (PDs) is shifting from categorical to dimensional, conceptualizing PDs as maladaptive variants of basic personality traits. The Agreeableness trait in the Five Factor Model of personality classically represents dispositional cooperativeness, which is associated with PDs characterized by interpersonal impairments. However, recent research designates two separate dispositional tendencies: active and reactive cooperativeness. Using the HEXACO model of personality we assessed traits representing these tendencies (Honesty-Humility and Agreeableness) and investigated their relation to Borderline features in 602 individuals. Borderline features were associated with low Agreeableness scores, representing low reactive cooperation, entailing a tendency to retaliate. Yet, there was no association with Honesty-Humility, implying intact active cooperativeness and non-exploitation. These findings extend prior results on the relation between Borderline PD and basic personality dimensions driving prosocial behavior. Implications for the understanding of interpersonal problems in PDs and the refinement of existing therapies are discussed.
Original languageEnglish
JournalPersonality and Individual Differences
Volume56
Issue number1
Pages (from-to)19-23
Number of pages5
ISSN0191-8869
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jan 2014
Externally publishedYes

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