Study on Mentalizing Processes in Adolescence Featured in the Colgate Research Magazine
Our collaborative publication in the Journal of Psychopathology and Clinical Science was recently featured in the research magazine of Colgate University (NY, USA):
https://news.colgate.edu/researchmagazine/2026/02/study-sheds-light-on-adolescent-personality-traits-and-social-interactions.html/
The study examines personality pathology in adolescence from a dimensional perspective, with a particular focus on everyday mentalizing processes. Mentalizing refers to the ability to understand one’s own and others’ behavior in terms of underlying internal states—such as thoughts, feelings, motives, or desires. It is an essential foundation for developing a stable sense of self and forming healthy, reliable relationships with others.
Using a two-week ambulatory assessment design, approximately 300 adolescents reported a total of 13,190 real-time social interactions via a smartphone app.
The findings indicate that adolescents with higher levels of maladaptive personality traits experienced their interactions, on average, as less warm and more dominant—both in terms of their own behavior and in how they perceived their interaction partners. Particularly striking was the marked variability in their experiences and behavior: in some situations they showed considerable empathy and understanding, while in others substantially less. This inconsistency may play an important role in why relationships can be more challenging for these adolescents. When reactions and perceptions fluctuate strongly, it becomes harder for others to anticipate how someone will respond, potentially undermining trust and stability in relationships.
The findings highlight the importance of early interventions during adolescence that help young people regulate their emotions more effectively, develop a stable sense of self, and strengthen their capacity to understand others’ perspectives.
Original publication:
Kaurin, A., Krakau, L., Wicher, C. L., Philippi, P., & Shiner, R. (2025). Adolescents’ pathological personality traits, mentalizing, and daily social interactions linking Criteria A and B from the DSM-5 alternative model for personality disorders. Journal of Psychopathology and Clinical Science. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1037/abn0001074
Last modified: 12.10.2023
