Psychoanalysis.  2021 Oct;32(4):142-154. 10.18529/psychoanal.2021.32.4.142.

Psychological Characteristics of Each Type According to Defense Mechanisms in Depression: Implications of Borderline Personality Organization Theory

• Kim BR
• Jeong HS
• Jo Sh
• Yun SH
• Kim HG
• Koo BH

• KMID: 2521509
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.18529/psychoanal.2021.32.4.142

Abstract

Objectives
In this study, we divided the types of depression, focusing on defense mechanisms based on psychodynamic theory, and then explored the clinical and psychological characteristics of each group.
Methods
We recruited 619 patients with depression. Cluster analysis according to defense mechanisms was conducted on each group. Defense mechanisms were rated based on the defense style questionnaire (DSQ). We compared psychological characteristics between the groups using The symptom checklist-90-revised (SCL-90-R), Beck depression inventory-II (BDI-II), Beck anxiety inventory (BAI), The Minnesota multiphasic personality inventory-2 (MMPI-2), temperament and character inventory (TCI), and personality disorder questionnaire-4+ (PDQ-4+).
Results
DSQ results showed significant differences between the groups. Groups 1 and 2 had high levels of passive aggression, acting out, and omnipotence. Group 1 had higher affiliation and use the most immature defense mechanisms. Group 3 had high-er projective identification and no other defense mechanisms. In SCL-90-R, BDI-II, and BAI, the severity of the symptoms was in the order of Group 1, 2, and 3. In MMPI-2, there were no significant differences between Group 1 and 2, but Group 1 had higher psychopathic deviate, Schizophrenia, and Hypomania. In TCI, Group 1 was the most temperamental, followed by Group 2 and Group 3 was the least temperament. In PDQ-4+, schizoid, schizotypal, antisocial, and borderline personality disorder were higher in Group 1.
Conclusion
In the Kernberg’s borderline personality organization, Group 1 is close to the borderline and psychotic personality organization, Group 2 can be termed as borderline and neurotic personality organization. Group 3 can be termed as a neurotic personality organization.

Keyword

Depression subtype; Defense mechanisms; Borderline personality organization