Mapping the Links Between Hostility Factors in a Dimensional Model of Personality Functioning: A Network Analysis

Previous research has demonstrated that lower personality functioning and maladaptive personality traits are linked to heightened hostile attribution bias. This study (N=261, semi-clinical sample of mental health users) expands on these findings by examining the relationships between dimensional personality functioning, narcissistic traits, gelotophobia, and hostile attribution biases using a network analysis approach. We aimed to identify central factors influencing the network, as well as bridging nodes connecting personality dysfunction and hostility biases. Results revealed that the intrapersonal dimension of personality functioning—reflecting difficulties in self-perception and self-regulation—was the most central factor, strongly associated with neurotic narcissism, gelotophobia, and hostile attributions, particularly in ambiguous relational contexts. Bridging nodes included hostile attributions in relational situations with different levels of in ambiguity, gelotophobia, and both neurotic and antagonistic narcissism, highlighting the interconnected nature of cognitive biases and maladaptive personality traits. Clinically, the study pointed out the importance of targeting intrapersonal functioning to reduce hostility in personality pathology.