The p factor and dimensional structural models of youth personality pathology and psychopathology.

ABSTRACT

The Hierarchical Taxonomy of Psychopathology (HiTOP) is a developing dimensional nosology which provides a joint framework for study of psychopathology and personality pathology. Dimensional structural models of psychopathology often include an overarching dimension of psychopathology (p factor) representing covariation among all forms of psychopathology. The p factor can be recovered in youth and adult samples, and has been found to relate to personality traits in similar ways in youth and adults. However, placement of personality pathology in an overarching psychopathology structure has almost exclusively been investigated in adults. We review evidence for the relationships between normal-range and pathological personality traits and psychopathology in adults and youth, ultimately making the case for study of a joint personality - psychopathology framework in youth.