Convergence and Concurrent Validity of DSM-5-R and Psychodynamic Models of Personality

Abstract

The present study examined the relationships and concurrent validity between the DSM-5-TR Alternative Model for Personality Disorders (AMPD) and the psychodynamic personality assessment model. The main aim of the study was to review the overlap and the specific contribution of both assessment models. Specifically, the relationships among maladaptive personality domains, level of personality functioning, and psychodynamic personality organization dimensions were investigated. The design implemented was quantitative, cross-sectional, with a non-clinical sample of 206 adults aged 20-46 years. Three standardized self-report instruments were used: the Personality Inventory for DSM-5 – Brief Form Plus Modified (PID5BF+M), the Personality Functioning Scale – Short Form (LPFS-BF 2.0), and the Personality Organization Inventory (IPO-16). Results were analyzed using Pearson correlation coefficients, multiple regression models, and hierarchical regression models. Several moderate-to-strong associations were observed, mainly between the Level of Personality Functioning (Derived from DSM-5-TR AMPD) and the Level of Personality Organization (r = .851). Regarding trait-to-structure associations, the results indicated that the strongest association was between Psychoticism and Reality Testing (r = .749). Regression analyses suggested that psychodynamic dimensions were more strongly associated with severe structural pathology, with the highest explanatory power for Psychoticism (R2=.58) and the lowest for Anankastia (R2=.227). Overall, Reality Testing emerged as the strongest concurrent predictor across the regression models, particularly for Psychoticism (β = .614) and general personality functioning (β = .606). Hierarchical regression analyses suggested that, when controlling for the Level of Personality Functioning, psychodynamic dimensions added statistically significant incremental variance to Detachment (ΔR2=.078, a 7.8% increase), Antagonism (ΔR2=.096, a 9.6% increase), and Psychoticism (ΔR2=.080, an 8% increase). These findings suggested substantial convergence between psychodynamic personality organization dimensions and the DSM-5-TR AMPD, while supporting the added value of psychodynamic constructs in personality assessment. Integrating both psychodynamic constructs and the DSM-5-TR AMPD in clinical assessment may contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of personality functioning.

Received: 27 February 2026  │  Accepted: 13 June 2026  │  Published: 23 July 2026