Defense Mechanisms, Gender, and Adaptiveness in Emerging Personality Disorders in Adolescent Outpatients

• DOI: 10.1097/nmd.0000000000001230
• Publication Date: 2020-09-21T19:40:19Z
• Authors: Mariagrazia Di Gi...; John Christopher ...; Ciro Conversano; Omar Carlo Gioacc...; Alessandro Gennaro
• Keywords: Personality pathology

Abstract The present study focused on demographic and personality differences in the use of 30 defense mechanisms adolescents with psychopathology explored hierarchical organization traits based adaptiveness defensive functioning. A total 102 self-referred adolescent outpatients were interviewed assessed using Defense Mechanisms Rating Scales Shedler-Westen Assessment Procedure 200 for Adolescents, respectively. Age gender found throughout hierarchy. Pearson's correlations revealed a emerging disorders (PDs) adolescence. More adaptive defenses clearly associated healthier style, whereas more pathological styles such as those borderline characterized by rigid maladaptive defenses. Dissociation was also types. Identifying may inform unconscious function specific PDs. systematic assessment might help therapists to monitor changes during treatment.