Working memory deficits in personality disorder traits: A preliminary investigation in a nonclinical sample

The purpose of the present study was to explore cognitive symptoms of personality disorder traits by means of Baddeley’s working memory model. Forty-nine college students were tested for personality disorder traits with the Coolidge Axis II Inventory, and they were given measures assessing executive control, working memory, including general working memory capacity (Operation-Word Span), phonological storage capacity (digits forwards and digits backwards), and three other Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale subtests. The results indicated that the 14 personality disorder scales had strong positive correlations with a measure of executive function deficits. Among measures of working memory capacity, the Digits Backwards subtest appeared to be the strongest predictor (negatively) of personality disorders according to multiple regressions. It was concluded that personality disorders may express themselves in cognitive ways that are reflected in measures of executive control, working memory capacity, and phonological storage capacity. Directions for further research are offered.