Exploring the p-Factor in Adolescence: A Bifactor Exploratory Structural Equation Modeling Approach and Its Association With Emerging Personality Pathology

Introduction: To account for the limitations of categorical taxonomies, a general psychopathology factor (p-factor) has been proposed as a transdiagnostic dimension that captures the shared variance across various forms of psychopathology. However, further research is required to clarify the specific characteristics that define the p-factor, particularly in adolescence - a period marked by heightened vulnerability to psychological disorders and significant developmental changes. Methods: This study utilized a sample of 1366 cisgender adolescents (56% assigned female at birth, Mage = 16.25, SD = 1.44) to examine the structure of the p-factor using Bifactor Exploratory Structural Equation Modeling. The study also explored the association between the p-factor and emerging personality pathology, focusing on self and interpersonal dimensions. Results: The p-factor was characterized by items reflecting negative affectivity, emotional dysregulation, and behavioral problems. Greater difficulties in self-related (e.g., sense of self, self-acceptance, and goals) and interpersonal dimensions (e.g., family relationships, aggression, and sexuality) were associated with higher levels of general psychopathology. A small but significant negative association was found between the quality of peer relationships and the p-factor, suggesting a potential protective role of friendships. Conclusions: The study highlights the multifaceted nature of the p-factor, confirming its relevance in capturing general psychological maladjustment during adolescence. The p-factor demonstrated a double-edged nature, encapsulating externalizing (e.g., impulsive behaviors, aggression) and internalizing symptoms (e.g., feelings of inadequacy and guilt). These findings provide insights into the interplay between general psychopathology and personality pathology, supporting a model that integrates self and interpersonal dimensions to understand adolescent psychopathology.