Cognitive models of personality disorder

Aaron Beck and his associates, Jeffrey Young, Mary Anne Layden and her co-authors, have developed cognitive models of personality disorder that are both informative and useful for therapists and theorists (Beck et al., 1990, 2004; Young et al., 2003; Layden et al., 1993). Marsha Linehan developed dialectical behavioural therapy for women with borderline personality disorder (Linehan, 1993). Her model can also be considered a cognitive model. All cognitive models emphasize childhood environmental influences as being important in the development of personality disorder and Beck et al.’s model (1990) brings an evolutionary perspective to bear on the origins of personality disorder.