Exploring Social Participation of People with Cluster B Personality Disorders

Abstract

This study aimed to describe the impact of living with a cluster B personality disorder in an acute phase on social participation. A descriptive cross-sectional design was used. During their first week in a day hospital or inpatient admission, 31 participants completed the Assessment of Life Habits, examining the quality of social participation in 77 daily activities and social roles (life habits). The participants presented significantly more difficulties and dissatisfaction in realizing social roles than daily activities. Areas of life perceived to be the most problematic to accomplish were leisure, school, and work. Interpersonal relationships and fitness were the least satisfying. Personal care was the least disrupted and most satisfying life habit. Life habits that could be prioritized in psychiatric rehabilitation interventions with people with cluster B personality disorders included leisure activities, work and school, fitness, and interpersonal relationships.

KEYWORDS:

• assessment
• cluster B personality disorders
• social participation

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The authors wish to sincerely thank the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, the Association des hôpitaux de jour en psychiatrie du Québec, the Réseau Québécois de Recherche sur le Vieillissement, the Formation Interdisciplinaire en Santé et Vieillissement and the Canadian Occupational Therapy Foundation for their financial support. The authors also send their warmest regards to the study participants.