La valutazione clinica della personalità nella ricerca in psicoterapia: il contributo degli studi psicoanalitici.

The basic assumption of this introductory contribution is that a correct - multifunctional and multidimensional - evaluation of personality is crucial in addressing any further clinical choice. After a short contextualization in the realm of psychotherapy research, and with particular reference to the diagnostic approach proposed by Westen and Shedler, the authors illustrate the limits of the DSM diagnostic categorial system. DSM personality categories are considered of poor heuristic value and facilitating the splitting between empirical research and clinical practice. Finally, two personality and defense mechanisms assessment tools (SWAP and DMRS) are outlined, both meeting, with elegance and reliability, the requirements of clinical practice and empirical research.