2.2.2d Family history There is evidence of a high degree of
psychological and social dysfunction in the
families of individuals who develop personality
disorders and in particular the presence of
depression, alcoholism as well as personality
disorder amongst their parents (Paris, 1996).
There would also appear to be a high instance of
poverty, unemployment, family breakdown,
periods of time in local authority care, and
witnessing of domestic violence amongst
individuals with personality disorders (Paris,
1996). With respect to antisocial personality
disorder, one study (Robins, 1966) showed that,
in families with children who later developed
antisocial behaviour, the highest risk factor for
the development of psychopathy and antisocial
behaviours was antisocial behaviour in the father,
although there was also a high frequency of
antisocial behaviour in the mother and more
parental alcoholism. It was hypothesised that
individuals with antisocial personalities develop
within a family structure where there is a chronic
failure to discipline or supervise children
(Robins, 1966).
2.2.2e Parent/child relationship One aspect of normal parenting involves the
quality of parent/child relationships. It has been
hypothesised that adults with a personality
disorder have been emotionally neglected
during their childhood (Adler, 1985). Research
suggests that personality disordered individuals
frequently report having had problems in
bonding with their parents and report difficulties
concerned with lack of affection (neglect), lack
of discipline/boundaries (under-control), and
lack of autonomy (over-control) (Paris, 1996).
However, difficulties with parental bonding are
not specific to personality disorders and have
been reported for individuals with various
psychiatric diagnoses (Parker, 1983).
