Rep36 Understanding Personality Disorder

2.2.3 Social factors in personality disorder
2.2.3a Culture
Cross-cultural studies using dimensional models
of personality have shown that the same
personality traits occur in the majority of human
societies (Costa & Widiger, 1994; Eysenck, 1991).
There have been criticisms of these studies for
attempting to apply western concepts of
personality to non-western societies (Fernandez
& Climan, 1994). However, an assessment of
personality disorder diagnosis across cultures
found that categorical model of personality
disorder could be used reliably to diagnose
personality disorders across a range of cultures
(Loranger, Sartorius, Andreoli 
et al
., 1994). This
study found relatively small cross-cultural
differences between societies and could not
determine whether these differences indicated
biological differences between cultures or the
cultural shaping of personality traits by social
expectation. There have been several studies
(e.g. Weisz, Sigman, Weiss 
et al
., 1993) that have
shown consistent differences in behavioural
problems across societies. It would appear that
children raised in cultures that value traditional
social mores develop psychopathological
symptoms associated with over-control whereas
children raised in societies that value progressive
change in social mores are likely to suffer more
from symptoms of under-control. 
2.2.3b Peer groups
Little research has been carried out in this area.
However, Harris proposes that there is an impact
of peer groups upon the development of social
mores and norms (Harris, 1995). This theory
suggests that individuals move during childhood
from forming major relationships with their
families to their peer groups. As a consequence,
the function of these peer groups has a
significant influence upon the development of
their behaviour and attitudes, which can
influence their personality functioning.
American research has indicated that those
belonging to delinquent peer groups are more
likely to misuse substances, behave antisocially
and become members of urban gangs (Elliot,
Huizmya & Ageton, 1985; Patterson, 1986). A
study assessing Harris’s theory found some
support for peer influence in shaping personality
(Loehlin, 1997).