Examining the Diagnostic Validity of the Dimensional Assessment of Personality Pathology-Basic Questionnaire (DAPP-BQ) in Couples Attending Counseling Centers in Tehran Using the Accuracy Coefficient

Abstract

Objective: This study aims to examine the diagnostic validity of the Dimensional Assessment of Personality Pathology-Basic Questionnaire (DAPP-BQ) among couples attending counseling centers in Tehran using the accuracy coefficient.

Methodology: A methodological and psychometric study was conducted with a sample of 240 individuals, comprising 120 participants in the clinical group and 120 in the normative group, selected through purposeful convenience sampling. The DAPP-BQ was used to assess personality pathology dimensions. The diagnostic validity was evaluated using the accuracy coefficient to test whether the scales could differentiate between the clinical and normative groups. The scales of intimacy disorder, low social relations, conduct disorder, narcissism, rejection, cognitive dysregulation, insecure attachment, defiance, and impulsivity were examined.

Findings: The results showed that the scales of "intimacy disorder" and "low social relations" from the "social avoidance" dimension, "conduct disorder," "narcissism," and "rejection" from the "antisocial behavior" dimension, "cognitive dysregulation," "insecure attachment," and "defiance" from the "emotional dysregulation" dimension, and "impulsivity" from the "impulsive behavior" dimension demonstrated significant diagnostic validity. These scales were able to effectively distinguish the clinical group from the normative group, indicating that DAPP-BQ can successfully identify individuals with personality disorders among the couples.

Conclusion: The study confirms that the DAPP-BQ has robust diagnostic validity for assessing personality pathology dimensions in couples attending counseling. This instrument can effectively differentiate between clinical and normative groups, making it a reliable tool for diagnosing personality disorders in counseling settings. The findings support the use of the DAPP-BQ in clinical practice for the assessment of personality dysfunctions in couples. Further research is recommended to expand its application to broader populations