The Structured Interview of Personality Organization (STIPO-R) is a psychodynamic diagnostic tool designed to evaluate the level of personality organization in individuals. It was developed as part of the psychoanalytic and psychodynamic tradition to systematically assess core aspects of personality functioning. These dimensions are critical in diagnosing personality pathology and understanding an individual’s psychological structure.

Core Dimensions Assessed in STIPO-R:

1. Identity:
   • The coherence and integration of self-concept and perceptions of others.
   • Assesses stability in how individuals see themselves and their relationships.
2. Defensive Operations:
   • The mechanisms individuals use to handle internal conflicts or external stress.
   • Focuses on whether defenses are primarily primitive (e.g., splitting) or more advanced (e.g., sublimation).
3. Reality Testing:
   • The ability to differentiate between internal experiences and external reality.
   • Key in distinguishing severe personality pathology.
4. Quality of Object Relations:
   • Evaluates the depth and quality of interpersonal relationships.
   • Looks at the ability to sustain meaningful connections and manage conflicts in relationships.
5. Affect Regulation:
   • How individuals experience, express, and regulate emotions.
   • Includes their capacity for impulse control and managing frustration.
6. Superego Integration:
   • Examines moral and ethical development.
   • Assesses guilt, shame, and the internalization of social norms.

Application of STIPO-R:

• Primarily used in clinical settings, it aids in understanding the structural underpinnings of personality disorders.
• Provides valuable information for tailoring psychotherapeutic interventions.
• Can be used to complement other diagnostic tools and refine clinical formulations.