Two samples of normal-range individuals (N = 237) completed the Schedu
le for Nonadaptive and Adaptive Personality (L. A. Clark, 1993a) and t
he Dimensional Assessment of Personality Pathology-Basic Questionnaire
(W. J. Livesley & D. Jackson, in press), each of which assesses trait
s relevant to personality disorder. Convergence between the 2 instrume
nts was examined at both the level of broad factors and the level of s
pecific scales that had been matched previously on a conceptual basis
(L. A. Clark & W. J. Livesley, 1994). Four of 5 higher order factors r
esembled dimensions of the 5-factor approach to personality, and a str
ong convergent and discriminant pattern was found between matched scal
es of the 2 instruments. Moreover considerable specific trait variance
remained after nonspecific (higher order) variance was accounted for.
The results are interpreted as supporting a replicable structure of m
aladaptive personality traits at both levels of the hierarchy.