578 CHAPTER 13
and traits so that they subsequently form the foundation for a personality disorder
(Caspi et al., 2002; Paris, 1996, 2005).
We earlier noted that temperament is partly inherited, but even so, not all chil-
dren will be like their parents. When the child’s temperament differs dramatically
from the parents’, they may not abuse or neglect the child, but the parents may not
know how to relate or bond with the child (Chess & Thomas, 1996; Graybar &
13.3 • Feedback Loops in Action: Personality Disorders
Figure 13.3g33
Mental Processes and
Mental Contents
Attention and memory are
biased to interpret other
people’s behavior in ways
consistent with dysfunc-
tional beliefs
Affect
Depends on the
specific personality
disorder
Behavior
Maladaptive behaviors
are influenced by
temperament, operant
conditioning, and
observational learning
Stressful Life Events
Abuse or neglect
Stressful family
environment
Rejection
Gender/Culture
Family
Insecure attachment
Physical abuse or
neglect by family
member
Genetics
Inherited tendency
to develop certain
temperaments
NeuroPsychoSocial
Brain Systems
NeuroPsychoSocial NeuroPsychoSocial
Neural Communication
No known major
contribution
Depends on the
specific personality
disorder
Depends on the
specific personality
disorder