The unidimensional versus multidimensional approach to personality development and psychopathology

Recent reformulations of psychoanalytic theory have expanded the traditional model from a linear to a multidimensional framework. This study explores the differences between the unidimensional and multi-dimensional models of personality development and psychopathology. An empirical study was designed to demonstrate that there are people with psychological features who cannot be adequately understood within the unidimensional framework. One subject was found who met the experimental criteria. Kohut's early view of a multidimensional approach which views personality development along dual independent lines, was proposed as a valid theory to deal with the complexity of the data.