Special feature: A multifacet circumflex model of personality as a basis for the description and therapy of personality disorders

A new circumplex model of personality, based upon two higher order personality factors, mental health and behavior control, is presented. This eight-octant model, which also includes the two multifacet dimensions of "social adaptation vs. unrestraint" and "self-actualization vs. inhibition," should not be confused with two other well-known circumplex models: the interpersonal model and the Eysenck model. Mental health, a multifacet construct, is defined as the ability to cope with external and internal demands. Behavior control, also a multifacet construct, is characterized by self-control (norm-, future-, work-, and reason-orientation; orderliness) srs. spontaneity (hedonism, excitement seeking, feeling orientation, liveliness). The theoretical background and facets of these constructs are presented. The model is useful for the description of personality disorders, and etiological hypotheses are formulated from the combination of this model with a circumplex model of interpersonal behavior. Finally, some therapeutic implications of the model are discussed.