BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to investigate the validity of the prototype-matching, empirically based 200-item Shedler-Westen Assessment Procedure (SWAP-200) and its clinical utility for describing underlying dimensions of psychostructural organization and functioning. SAMPLING AND METHODS: Patients (n = 306) from two psychoanalytic out-patient departments were included. Replicatory and exploratory factor analysis, correlation and discriminant validity statistics, and canonical correlation analysis were performed. RESULTS: Replicatory factor analysis failed to reproduce the identical original factorial structure. Standard factor analysis revealed an eight-factor solution displaying a dimensional description of psychostructural personality organization (high functioning - neurotic/inhibited - borderline/emotionally dysregulated - psychotic/dissocial). Discriminant validity exists across the sample owing to high/poor psychological functioning. Canonical correlation analysis does not support the replacement of the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV, but provides relevant implications for refining DSM-IV axis II. CONCLUSIONS: Support is given for the SWAP instrument in describing dimensional higher-order personality organization and psychostructural functioning.
BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to investigate the validity of the prototype-matching, empirically based 200-item Shedler-Westen Assessment Procedure (SWAP-200) and its clinical utility for describing underlying dimensions of psychostructural organization and functioning. SAMPLING AND METHODS: Patients (n = 306) from two psychoanalytic out-patient departments were included. Replicatory and exploratory factor analysis, correlation and discriminant validity statistics, and canonical correlation analysis were performed. RESULTS: Replicatory factor analysis failed to reproduce the identical original factorial structure. Standard factor analysis revealed an eight-factor solution displaying a dimensional description of psychostructural personality organization (high functioning - neurotic/inhibited - borderline/emotionally dysregulated - psychotic/dissocial). Discriminant validity exists across the sample owing to high/poor psychological functioning. Canonical correlation analysis does not support the replacement of the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV, but provides relevant implications for refining DSM-IV axis II. CONCLUSIONS: Support is given for the SWAP instrument in describing dimensional higher-order personality organization and psychostructural functioning.
Authors: Bela R Turk; Michael E Gschwandtner; Michaela Mauerhofer; Henriette Löffler-Stastka Journal: Medicine (Baltimore) Date: 2015-05 Impact factor: 1.889