Personality model for positive clinical psychology

Introduction and objective: The article addresses the question of what kind of personality model is needed for positive clinical psychology and proposes an answer. First, the requirements for such a model were formulated, followed by an analysis of personality models in the DSM-5 and ICD-11 regarding their applicability to positive clinical psychology. As a result, issues were identified that the Circumplex of Personality Metatraits seems to address. Materials and methods: Five requirements for a personality model useful in positive clinical psychology were articulated: (1) integration of knowledge from positive clinical psychology and personality psychology, (2) relative independence from theoretical paradigms, (3) applicability of the model in diagnosis, (4) applicability of the model in therapy, and (5) applicability of the model in positive interventions and prevention. Results: Personality models based on the Big Five introduced in the DSM-5 and ICD-11 for the conceptualisation and diagnosis of personality disorders can be interpreted as an application of the principles of positive clinical psychology in this area. However, these models (1) inherit certain issues associated with the Big Five in personality psychology, and (2) their application to clinical psychology introduces additional problems, which means they fail to meet the formulated requirements for such a model, thereby limiting their potential for positive clinical psychology. Conclusions: The Circumplex of Personality Metatraits overcomes these problems, aligns well with the principles of positive clinical psychology, and meets the specified requirements for a model needed in this field.