ABSTRACT
This chapter sets the stage for the cognitive behavioral treatment of specific personality disorders (covered in Chapters 4 through 9) by emphasizing cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) interventions that are particularly effective in modulating temperament and style. As noted in Chapter 1, temperament primarily reflects the biological dimension of personality, whereas character and schema primarily reflect the psychological dimension of personality. Furthermore, individuals with personality disorders tend to be over-or undermodulated in terms of temperament, and irresponsible, uncooperative, and self-focused in terms of character (Cloninger, Svrakic, & Prybeck, 1993). Accordingly, effective treatment of personality disorders must address both of these disordered dimensions of personality. Unfortunately, therapeutic strategies that are effective in modifying character and schemas tend to be minimally effective in modulating temperament and style (Cloninger, 2004; Young, Klosko, & Weishaar, 2003). However, there are specific treatment interventions, such as medication, social skills training, and other focused behavioral strategies, that are effective in modulating temperament.
