Relatedness and Self-Definition in Normal and Disrupted Personality Development

Consistent with contemporary interpersonal and attachment theory and research, this chapter proposes that the fundamental developmental dimensions of interpersonal relatedness and self-definition (or identity) provide a comprehensive conceptual structure for understanding both adaptive and maladaptive personality development throughout the life cycle. This "two configurations" model avoids many of the pitfalls of DSM-IV by establishing conceptual continuity between personality development, variations in normal personality organization, various forms of psychopathology, and the reparative processes that can occur in psychotherapy. Finally, it also provides a basis for future research investigating the interactions among genetic, biological, and psychosocial factors in personality development. © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. All rights reserved.

ISBN:9780470471609

Publication year:2012