Coping styles predict change in personality disorders

The present follow-up study is the first to investigate whether dispositional coping styles prospectively influence change in the Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory (MCMI-II) personality disorders. The sample consisted of 155 psychiatric outpatients who were investigated twice, namely 6 and 7 years after their admission to the clinic, Coping styles prospectively predicted change in most of the MCMI-II personality disorders, whereas sex and age did not affect the outcome. The use of problem-focused coping and seeking social support improved the patients' levels on the MCMI-II personality disorder scores. Dysfunctional coping styles such as self-distraction, disengagement, use of alcohol or drugs, and venting of emotions, however, aggravated the patients' MCMI-II personality disorders. Furthermore, the effects of coping patterns tended to be specific for single personality disorders.