Reports of the early home environment in DSM-III-R personality disorders

Reports of adverse childhood experiences were examined in individuals with prominent DSM Axis II psychopathology. Subjects included 90 outpatients who met criteria for a definite or probable (one criteria below threshold) DSM-III-R personality disorder. Personality disorders were evaluated using a structured diagnostic interview. The early home environment was independently assessed using both a semistructured interview and a self-report inventory. Results indicated that antisocial traits were associated with reports of significantly poorer maternal and paternal relationships and physical abuse. Borderline and self-defeating personality traits were associated with reports of poorer maternal and paternal relationships and sexual abuse. The other personality disorders did not exhibit strong patterns of associations with the early home environment variables.