Cross-cultural similarities and differences in level of personality functioning across eight countries

Abstract

Previous studies have not found cross-cultural full measurement invariance for the Level of Personality Functioning Scale - Brief Form 2.0 (LPFS-BF 2.0). While invariance analysis ensures valid cross-cultural comparisons, it may not capture all possible cultural impacts. One possibility is to employ network analysis to compare countries regarding connections and centrality indicators. This study aimed to validate the cross-cultural applicability of the LPFS-BF 2.0 across eight countries: Australia, Brazil, the United Kingdom, Iran, Italy, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and the United States. The sample comprised 4,310 adults (aged between 18 to 84); the majority of the total sample reported being women (72.9%), being Caucasian (56.6%) who completed the LPFS-BF 2.0. Measurement invariance was assessed using multi-group confirmatory factor analysis (MGCFA), while network analysis explored the centrality and interrelationships of LPFS-BF 2.0 items within each country. Our findings mark the first time full invariance across different cultures was observed with the LPFS-BF 2.0. Network analysis revealed unique cultural patterns in item centrality, suggesting the need for further refinement of specific items to address cultural differences. The study highlights the LPFS-BF 2.0 as a robust tool for assessing personality functioning globally and underscores the importance of culturally sensitive adaptations in personality assessment. Network analysis offers an innovative method for assessing cultural differences in personality, and identifying stable and variable aspects of pathology to inform clinical interventions.

Keywords: Personality disorders; analysis of invariance; cross-cultural validation; personality functioning.