A factor analysis of the entire item set of the DSM-III criteria was
conducted to determine the extent to which the factors that emerged
corresponded to the 11 personality disorders and three clusters included in
DSM-III. Data were obtained from 552 patients who completed a self-report
personality questionnaire and from 287 psychiatrists who rated their
patients. Eleven questionnaire factors emerged that had eigenvalues greater
than one, and at least three items emerged with factor loadings greater
than 0.40. A correlational and multiple regression analysis of the
questionnaire factors and clinicians' ratings showed few strong
relationships between the factors and the 11 personality disorders but good
correspondence with the three clusters.Abstract Teaser