Incremental validity of maladaptive schemas over five-factor model facets in the prediction of personality disorder symptoms

The present study investigated the prediction of personality disorder symptoms from early maladaptive schemas (EMSs) and the facets of the five-factor model of personality (FFM). The hypothesis that EMSs add to the understanding of personality disorder symptoms beyond normal personality traits was tested. One hundred and forty-five psychiatric outpatients completed the NEO PI-R, the SQ-SF, and the DIP-Q. Results showed a high degree of overlap of EMSs and FFM facets with personality disorder symptomatology. Hierarchical regression analyses indicated that EMSs contributed significantly to the prediction of personality disorder symptoms beyond FFM facets. Implications of the findings for the understanding of personality disorders are discussed.