The trait-type dialectic: Opportunities, challenges, and constructive dialogue

Abstract

In their incisive and engaging commentaries Drs. Lilienfeld and Widiger make a number of cogent points regarding how personality pathology should be conceptualized and assessed, both arguing strongly that dimensional models are superior to categorical personality disorder frameworks. In this response, I describe areas of convergence and divergence between my perspective and those of my colleagues and argue that-current ascendance of dimensional models notwithstanding-the trait-type dialectic will continue into the future as empirical evidence and clinical experience illuminate previously unrecognized strengths and limitations of each approach. To foster productive collaboration and constructive dialogue, I offer suggestions regarding studies that allow for rigorous comparison of the construct validity and clinical utility of categorical and dimensional perspectives on personality pathology, in the laboratory and in vivo.