Interpersonal Style and the Presentation and Course of Mental Disorders: A Systematic Review

Buring, Zohra Isobel (2025) Interpersonal Style and the Presentation and Course of Mental Disorders: A Systematic Review. Master thesis, Psychology.

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Abstract

There is considerable heterogeneity in therapy outcomes among individuals with the same disorder. Previous research has shown that in samples of patients with a certain disorder, different interpersonal styles can be identified, which are associated with differences in therapy processes and outcomes. This systematic review explores whether common patterns can be identified across different disorders in relation to interpersonal styles and their impact on therapeutic processes and outcomes, aiming to provide evidence for transdiagnostic interpersonal pathoplasticity. This work synthesized findings from 15 studies that used the Inventory of Interpersonal Problems (IIP) to identify interpersonal subtypes in samples with a primary diagnosis of a DSM-IV Axis-I mental disorder (or comparable) and reported on cross-sectional and longitudinal similarities and differences between these subgroups. These studies identified 55 interpersonal subgroups. These subgroups were largely independent of demographics, symptom severity, and comorbid diagnoses, suggesting that interpersonal style represents a unique dimension of psychopathology. Subgroups were associated with different treatment processes and outcomes. Individuals with a warm-submissive interpersonal style consistently demonstrated stronger therapeutic alliance, lower dropout rates, and greater symptom reduction, suggesting that interpersonal characteristics shape the course of therapy regardless of diagnosis. While this review has limitations regarding its generalizability, small number of studies reviewed and the lack of quality assessment of the included studies, which should be addressed in future research, it provides preliminary support for transdiagnostic interpersonal pathoplasticity and highlights the clinical value of assessing interpersonal style alongside traditional diagnostic criteria to enhance therapeutic alliance and promote personalized treatment. Keywords: Axis-I Mental Disorders, Interpersonal Pathoplasticity, Inventory of Interpersonal Problems (IIP), Systematic Review.

Item Type:	Thesis (Master)
Supervisor name:	Rot, M. aan het
Degree programme:	Psychology
Differentiation route:	Clinical Psychology (CP) [Master Psychology]
Date Deposited:	14 Apr 2025 10:06
Last Modified:	14 Apr 2025 10:06
URI:	http://gmwpublic.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/4826

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