Alternative DSM-5 Model for Personality Disorders 779
TABLE 3 Definitions of DSM-5 personality disorder trait domains 
and facets
DOMAINS (Polar Opposites) 
and Facets Definitions
NEGATIVE AFFECTIVITY 
(vs. Emotional Stability)Frequent and intense experiences of high levels of a wide range of 
negative emotions (e.g., anxiet y, depression, guilt/ shame, worry, 
anger) and their behavioral (e.g., self-harm) and interpersonal (e.g., 
dependency) manifestations.
Emotional lability Instability of emotional experiences and mood; emotions that are 
easily aroused, intense, and/or out of proportion to events and cir-
cumstances.
Anxiousness Feelings of nervousness, tensenes s, or panic in reaction to diverse situa-
tions; frequent worry about the negative effects of past unpleasant 
experiences and future negative possibilities; feeling fearful and 
apprehensive about un certainty; expecting the worst to happen.
Separation insecurity Fears of being alone due to rejection by—and /or separation from—
significant others, based in a lack of confidence in one’s ability to 
care for oneself, both ph ysically and emotionally.
Submissiveness Adaptation of one’s behavior to the actual or perceived interests and 
desires of others even when doing so is antithetical to one’s own 
interests, needs, or desires.
Hostility Persistent or frequent angry feelings; anger or irritability in response 
to minor slights and insults; mean, nasty, or vengeful behavior. See 
also Antagonism.
Perseveration Persistence at tasks or in a particular way of doing things long after the 
behavior has ceased to be functional  or effective; co ntinuance of the