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2601 Chemin de la Canardière
Québec (Québec)
G1J 2G3
Canada
Professeure agrégée
Département des fondements et pratiques en éducation
Chercheure collaboratrice, CRIPCAS : https://www.cripcas.ca/
Chercheure régulière, Centre de recherche CERVO
Axe de recherche:
Neurosciences cliniques et cognitives
Troubles de la personnalité
Traits de personnalité indésirables
Couple
Psychothérapie
Évaluation
Psychométrie
Ses projets de recherche porte sur les impacts des traits de personnalité indésirables et des troubles de la personnalité sur les sphères conjugales, occupationnelles et sur la réponse au traitement en psychothérapie.
Marie Dodier-Lemay; Laurie Arseneault; Fabienne Glowacz; Caroline Dugal; Natacha Godbout; Claudia Savard; Audrey Brassard
Comparative Analysis of Intimate Partner Violence Perpetrators According to their Referral Type: Self-Referred, Legally Mandated, and Formally Pressured Article de journal
Dans: Crim Justice Behav, vol. 52, no 7, p. 1067–1087, 2025, ISSN: 0093-8548.
@article{pmid40416505,
title = {Comparative Analysis of Intimate Partner Violence Perpetrators According to their Referral Type: Self-Referred, Legally Mandated, and Formally Pressured},
author = {Marie Dodier-Lemay and Laurie Arseneault and Fabienne Glowacz and Caroline Dugal and Natacha Godbout and Claudia Savard and Audrey Brassard},
doi = {10.1177/00938548251333800},
issn = {0093-8548},
year = {2025},
date = {2025-07-01},
journal = {Crim Justice Behav},
volume = {52},
number = {7},
pages = {1067--1087},
abstract = {Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a major public health issue with long-lasting consequences, necessitating effective treatments to disrupt its intergenerational transmission. However, the common one-size-fits-all approach in IPV programs may fail to acknowledge the diversity among perpetrators. This study compared three types of IPV perpetrators entering treatment: self-referred, legally mandated, and formally pressured. Among 1,302 men surveyed, self-referred men were generally older, more educated, and reported more clinical symptoms than those in the other groups. They appeared more ready to change and less influenced by social desirability biases. Legally mandated men reported fewer minor IPV behaviors, but more severe behaviors compared with self-referred men. They seemed to minimize or deny their behavior, failing to acknowledge their problem with violence. Formally pressured men exhibited mixed characteristics. They appeared to be motivated by the fear of losing custody of their children. These findings underscore the need for tailored therapeutic approaches.},
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Philippe Leclerc; Yann Le Corff; Mélanie Lapalme; Vincent Bégin; Karine Forget; Dominick Gamache; Claudia Savard; Jean-Pierre Rolland
Linguistic Measurement Invariance and Stability-Equivalence of the Personality Inventory for Among Bilingual Participants Article de journal
Dans: J Pers Disord, vol. 39, no 2, p. 133–151, 2025, ISSN: 1943-2763.
@article{pmid40293805,
title = {Linguistic Measurement Invariance and Stability-Equivalence of the Personality Inventory for Among Bilingual Participants},
author = {Philippe Leclerc and Yann Le Corff and Mélanie Lapalme and Vincent Bégin and Karine Forget and Dominick Gamache and Claudia Savard and Jean-Pierre Rolland},
doi = {10.1521/pedi.2025.39.2.133},
issn = {1943-2763},
year = {2025},
date = {2025-04-01},
journal = {J Pers Disord},
volume = {39},
number = {2},
pages = {133--151},
abstract = {The linguistic equivalence of the Personality Inventory for (PID-5) has never been investigated using a within-subject design, that is, among bilingual individuals. Also, the stability-equivalence of the PID-5 using two linguistic versions is unknown. Thus, this within-subject, test-retest study aims at (a) establishing the measurement invariance of the PID-5 among bilinguals, and (b) providing indices of stability-equivalence using distinct versions with tight confidence intervals. Data from a sample of bilingual participants ( = 605), who were administered the PID-5 over a 1-2-week interval in French and English, were utilized. The PID-5 reached the (full) strong invariance level using longitudinal invariance analyses, indicating that the PID-5 structure is the same and that scores are interchangeable, while controlling for sampling confounds. The indices of stability-equivalence were high across traits. The PID-5 yields scores reflective of genuine differences, at least at the domain level, providing solid ground to study personality across societies.},
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Janik Gélinas; Aurélie Claing; Caroline Dugal; Claudia Savard; Marie-Ève Daspe; Katherine Péloquin; Natacha Godbout; Audrey Brassard
Intergenerational transmission of childhood interpersonal trauma in adults entering therapy for intimate partner violence: The role of identity diffusion Article de journal
Dans: Child Abuse Negl, vol. 161, p. 107258, 2025, ISSN: 1873-7757.
@article{pmid39862647,
title = {Intergenerational transmission of childhood interpersonal trauma in adults entering therapy for intimate partner violence: The role of identity diffusion},
author = {Janik Gélinas and Aurélie Claing and Caroline Dugal and Claudia Savard and Marie-Ève Daspe and Katherine Péloquin and Natacha Godbout and Audrey Brassard},
doi = {10.1016/j.chiabu.2025.107258},
issn = {1873-7757},
year = {2025},
date = {2025-03-01},
journal = {Child Abuse Negl},
volume = {161},
pages = {107258},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Childhood Interpersonal Trauma (CIT) is a major public health issue that increases the risk of perpetrating and sustaining intimate partner violence (IPV) in adulthood, perpetuating intergenerational cycles of violence. Yet, the explanatory mechanisms behind the intergenerational transmission of trauma warrant further exploration.nnOBJECTIVE: This study explored identity diffusion as an explanatory mechanism linking cumulative and individual CIT (sexual, physical and psychological abuse, physical and psychological neglect, witnessing parental physical or psychological IPV, bullying) to IPV (sexual, physical, psychological, coercive control) and to the next generation's exposure to family violence. Gender differences (men, women, gender diversity) in these links were examined.nnPARTICIPANTS AND SETTING: A sample of 846 adults (60.4 % men, 36.4 % women, 3.2 % gender diverse) entering therapy across 21 community IPV specialized organizations were recruited.nnMETHODS: Participants completed brief validated questionnaires assessing CIT, identity diffusion, IPV perpetration and victimization, and new generation's exposure to family violence.nnRESULTS: Four path analysis models showed that cumulative CIT, psychological neglect, and bullying were indirectly associated with adult IPV perpetration and victimization, and new generation family violence exposure through higher identity diffusion (βs ranging 0.037-0.091). Cumulative CIT was not related to IPV perpetration for gender diverse individuals, nor was identity diffusion related to IPV victimization for this group.nnCONCLUSIONS: This study highlights the relevance of trauma-sensitive and identity-focused interventions that consider familial history and gender identity to effectively address the intergenerational transmission of trauma.},
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Aurélie Claing; Caroline Dugal; Audrey Brassard; Marie-France Lafontaine; Claudia Savard; Natacha Godbout
Anxiety, Depression, and Comorbid Symptomatology: Different Forms and Severity of Intimate Partner Violence Perpetrated by Men Seeking Help Article de journal
Dans: Violence Vict, vol. 39, no 3, p. 332–350, 2024, ISSN: 0886-6708.
@article{pmid39107071,
title = {Anxiety, Depression, and Comorbid Symptomatology: Different Forms and Severity of Intimate Partner Violence Perpetrated by Men Seeking Help},
author = {Aurélie Claing and Caroline Dugal and Audrey Brassard and Marie-France Lafontaine and Claudia Savard and Natacha Godbout},
doi = {10.1891/VV-2021-0204},
issn = {0886-6708},
year = {2024},
date = {2024-08-01},
journal = {Violence Vict},
volume = {39},
number = {3},
pages = {332--350},
abstract = {Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a serious public health issue associated with numerous deleterious outcomes. Previous studies highlighted the relevance of documenting psychological predictors of IPV to identify prevention strategies. This study examined the links between anxious and depressive symptomatology and perpetrated physical, psychological, and sexual violence among 494 French-Canadian men seeking help for IPV-related difficulties. Differences in the frequency of perpetrated IPV were examined across four groups: (a) no anxious or depressive symptoms reaching a cutoff of high distress, (b) symptoms of anxiety, (c) symptoms of depression, and (d) comorbid symptoms. Results highlighted that men with comorbid symptoms perpetrated significantly more severe violent acts compared to the other groups. This study underscores the importance of targeting the reduction of psychological distress when treating men who perpetrated IPV.},
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pubstate = {published},
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Myriam Douadi; Audrey Brassard; Natacha Godbout; Claudia Savard; Marie-Ève Daspe; Marie-France Lafontaine; Katherine Péloquin
Romantic Attachment and Intimate Partner Violence Perpetrated by Men: The Role of Affect Dysregulation and Gender Hostility Article de journal
Dans: J Interpers Violence, vol. 39, no 11-12, p. 2437–2459, 2024, ISSN: 1552-6518.
@article{pmid38146765,
title = {Romantic Attachment and Intimate Partner Violence Perpetrated by Men: The Role of Affect Dysregulation and Gender Hostility},
author = {Myriam Douadi and Audrey Brassard and Natacha Godbout and Claudia Savard and Marie-Ève Daspe and Marie-France Lafontaine and Katherine Péloquin},
doi = {10.1177/08862605231218226},
issn = {1552-6518},
year = {2024},
date = {2024-06-01},
journal = {J Interpers Violence},
volume = {39},
number = {11-12},
pages = {2437--2459},
abstract = {Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a major public health problem, associated with considerable consequences for the victims. Among the risk factors associated with the perpetration of male IPV, attachment insecurities (avoidance, anxiety) and affect dysregulation (AD) have received strong empirical support. A few studies showed that hostility toward women (HTW) is a correlate of IPV perpetration, but none have explored hostility toward men (HTM). This study's aim was to test direct and indirect associations between romantic attachment insecurities and IPV perpetration (psychological, physical, and sexual coercion) through AD in men seeking help, and to examine the moderator role of HTW and HTM in theses links. A sample of 1,845 men aged between 18 and 88 years and from a diverse population (e.g., cultural background, education, and sexual orientation) were recruited through 18 community organizations providing IPV services in a Canadian province. As part of the systematic assessment protocol of each organization, participants answered a series of online questionnaires. Results from a path analysis model showed indirect associations between attachment insecurities (avoidance and anxiety) and IPV perpetration (psychological, physical, and sexual coercion) through AD. Beyond these links, attachment avoidance was also directly associated with psychological violence, attachment anxiety with sexual coercion, and HTM with sexual coercion. The results revealed two moderation effects: higher HTW amplified the link between AD and physical IPV, whereas higher HTM amplified the link between AD and sexual coercion. Results highlight the relevance of assessing attachment, AD, and gender hostility in IPV programs. They also highlight the relevance of targeting HTM as a risk marker for IPV perpetration in men.},
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pubstate = {published},
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Dominick Gamache; Philippe Leclerc; Alexandre Côté; David Théberge; Claudia Savard
Broader Issues in Test Translation and Validation: A Commentary Inspired by Macina et al. (2023) Article de journal
Dans: J Pers Assess, vol. 106, no 6, p. 724–726, 2024, ISSN: 1532-7752.
@article{pmid38985783,
title = {Broader Issues in Test Translation and Validation: A Commentary Inspired by Macina et al. (2023)},
author = {Dominick Gamache and Philippe Leclerc and Alexandre Côté and David Théberge and Claudia Savard},
doi = {10.1080/00223891.2024.2375213},
issn = {1532-7752},
year = {2024},
date = {2024-01-01},
journal = {J Pers Assess},
volume = {106},
number = {6},
pages = {724--726},
abstract = {Macina et al. (2023) recently reported mixed results on the German translation of the Self and Interpersonal Functioning Scale (SIFS). By focusing on suboptimal indices of structural validity, they recommended choosing other available instruments over the SIFS in future research on personality impairment. Reflecting on Macina et al.'s overall conclusions inspired us to consider broader issues in the field of personality impairment assessment. In this commentary, we discuss some issues regarding test translation and validity raised by Macina et al.'s article. We advise against assuming equivalence between original and translated versions of a test and discuss some caveats regarding comparison between different instruments based on structural validity. We also call into question whether the latter should be the litmus test for judging the quality of a measure. Finally, we discuss how the proliferation of personality impairment measures can benefit the broader field. Notably, this would allow moving toward a "what works for whom" approach that considers the match between psychometric property, desired use of the instrument, and characteristics of the target population.},
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Mélissa Deschênes; Dominick Gamache; Marie-Pier Vaillancourt-Morel; Kristel Mayrand; Marie-Chloé Nolin; Nicolas Berthelot; Coralie Mercerat; Claudia Savard
Exploring the Associations of Personality and Sexual Health Using the DSM-5 Alternative Model for Personality Disorders Article de journal
Dans: J Sex Marital Ther, vol. 50, no 7, p. 834–854, 2024, ISSN: 1521-0715.
@article{pmid39180222,
title = {Exploring the Associations of Personality and Sexual Health Using the DSM-5 Alternative Model for Personality Disorders},
author = {Mélissa Deschênes and Dominick Gamache and Marie-Pier Vaillancourt-Morel and Kristel Mayrand and Marie-Chloé Nolin and Nicolas Berthelot and Coralie Mercerat and Claudia Savard},
doi = {10.1080/0092623X.2024.2391340},
issn = {1521-0715},
year = {2024},
date = {2024-01-01},
journal = {J Sex Marital Ther},
volume = {50},
number = {7},
pages = {834--854},
abstract = {This study explored the relationships between sexual health indicators (i.e., sexual satisfaction, distress, and function) and the DSM-5 Alternative Model for Personality Disorders, a promising dimensional framework for assessing personality pathology. A sample of 489 participants seeking help in private practice clinics completed self-report measures of sexual satisfaction, distress, and function, as well as dyadic adjustment, psychological distress, romantic attachment, personality impairment, and pathological personality facets. Results first showed that participants reaching the cutoffs for a personality disorder had significantly higher sexual distress and lower sexual function compared to participants without a personality disorder. Second, path analyses controlling for psychological distress, dyadic adjustment, and romantic attachment revealed that, for women, the Criterion B Intimacy Avoidance facet was consistently linked with higher sexual distress and lower sexual satisfaction and function. For men, result patterns were more complex, linking Criterion B Separation Insecurity with high sexual distress, and Separation Insecurity and Intimacy Avoidance facets with low sexual function. In addition, Criterion B Irresponsibility, Rigid Perfectionism, as well as Criterion A Intimacy impairment were linked with higher sexual satisfaction. These findings improve our understanding of the links between personality and sexual health and provide support for considering personality difficulties in sexual health interventions.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Dominick Gamache; Véronique Maheux-Caron; David Théberge; Alexandre Côté; Marie-Anne Rancourt; Sébastien Hétu; Claudia Savard
Revisiting the vulnerable dark triad hypothesis using a bifactor model Article de journal
Dans: Scand J Psychol, vol. 64, no 5, p. 679–692, 2023, ISSN: 1467-9450.
@article{pmid37096738,
title = {Revisiting the vulnerable dark triad hypothesis using a bifactor model},
author = {Dominick Gamache and Véronique Maheux-Caron and David Théberge and Alexandre Côté and Marie-Anne Rancourt and Sébastien Hétu and Claudia Savard},
doi = {10.1111/sjop.12921},
issn = {1467-9450},
year = {2023},
date = {2023-10-01},
journal = {Scand J Psychol},
volume = {64},
number = {5},
pages = {679--692},
abstract = {Miller et al. (2010) previously suggested that borderline pathology, vulnerable narcissism, and Factor 2 psychopathy share a common "Vulnerable Dark Triad" (VDT) core. The present study (N = 1,023 community participants) aims to test that hypothesis using exploratory and confirmatory bifactor analyses. We found support for a bifactor model that obtained satisfactory fits and other adequate validity indices, which included a general VDT factor and three group factors (Reckless, Entitled, Hiding). The general VDT factor was mostly saturated with borderline symptoms items reflecting self-hatred and worthlessness, which did not form a group factor; these results add to previous research suggesting that features of borderline pathology may represent the core of personality pathology. The three group factors had distinctive relationships with Dark Triad traits, pathological trait domains, and aggression. In contrast with the three group factors, the general VDT factor more strongly incremented the prediction of negative affectivity and hostility; the group factors more strongly incremented the prediction of grandiosity, egocentrism, callousness, Machiavellianism, and direct (physical/verbal) aggression. Alignment of the retained bifactor model with influent models of personality pathology and conceptual/methodological implications of the present results for research on the hypothesized VDT are discussed, as well as some clinical implications of the findings.},
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pubstate = {published},
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Audrey Brassard; Caroline Dugal; Marie-Ève Daspe; Katherine Péloquin; Claudia Savard; Marie-France Lafontaine; Natacha Godbout
A Latent Profile Analysis of Intimate Partner Violence Perpetrated by Men Seeking Help Article de journal
Dans: J Interpers Violence, vol. 38, no 19-20, p. 10542–10565, 2023, ISSN: 1552-6518.
@article{pmid37278307,
title = {A Latent Profile Analysis of Intimate Partner Violence Perpetrated by Men Seeking Help},
author = {Audrey Brassard and Caroline Dugal and Marie-Ève Daspe and Katherine Péloquin and Claudia Savard and Marie-France Lafontaine and Natacha Godbout},
doi = {10.1177/08862605231174502},
issn = {1552-6518},
year = {2023},
date = {2023-10-01},
journal = {J Interpers Violence},
volume = {38},
number = {19-20},
pages = {10542--10565},
abstract = {Past research has emphasized the need to identify profiles of men who perpetrate intimate partner violence (IPV) as a way to better understand this heterogeneous population and guide the development of tailored services. However, empirical validation for such profiles remains limited, since it still focuses on specific populations or fails to consider IPV as reported by men seeking treatment for IPV. We know little about the profiles of men who seek services for their use of IPV (with or without a justice referral). This study sought to identify profiles of men seeking treatment for IPV, based on their self-reported use of the various forms and severity of IPV perpetrated, and to compare the identified groups on key psychosocial risk markers of IPV. A total of 980 Canadian men entering treatment in community organizations specialized in IPV answered a series of questionnaires. A latent profile analysis identified four profiles: (a) "no/minor IPV" ( = 194), (b) "severe IPV with sexual coercion" ( = 122), (c) "minor IPV and control" ( = 471), and (d) "severe IPV without sexual coercion" ( = 193). Results revealed differences in psychosocial risk markers, including attachment insecurities, childhood interpersonal trauma, undesirable personality traits, affect dysregulation, and psychological distress, mostly between the "severe IPV without sexual coercion" profile and the "no/minor IPV" and "minor IPV and control" profiles. Very few differences were found, however, between the "severe IPV with sexual coercion" and "severe IPV without sexual coercion" profiles. Implications for awareness, prevention, and treatment efforts for each profile are discussed.},
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tppubtype = {article}
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Mireille Lampron; Claudia Savard; Allyson Bernier; Maude Payant; Stéphane Sabourin; Amélie M Achim
Contrasting social knowledge and theory of mind patterns in adults with personality disorders, schizophrenia spectrum disorders, and healthy controls Article de journal
Dans: Cogn Neuropsychiatry, vol. 28, no 5, p. 361–376, 2023, ISSN: 1464-0619.
@article{pmid37733030,
title = {Contrasting social knowledge and theory of mind patterns in adults with personality disorders, schizophrenia spectrum disorders, and healthy controls},
author = {Mireille Lampron and Claudia Savard and Allyson Bernier and Maude Payant and Stéphane Sabourin and Amélie M Achim},
doi = {10.1080/13546805.2023.2259021},
issn = {1464-0619},
year = {2023},
date = {2023-09-01},
journal = {Cogn Neuropsychiatry},
volume = {28},
number = {5},
pages = {361--376},
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Personality disorders (PD) and schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSD) are distinct conditions displaying common symptoms, like impairments in social cognition, that make them hard to distinguish, especially in severe cases. To date, few studies have compared theory of mind skills in these two disorders, and none have compared social knowledge skills. This study aims to compare the social cognitive abilities of patients with these conditions.nnMETHOD: Non-parametric analyses of covariance were used to compare severe PD patients ( = 37), SSD patients ( = 44), and healthy controls (HC; = 49) on the Social Knowledge Test and two measures of theory of mind: the Reading the Mind in the Eyes Test and the Combined Stories Test, which incorporates items from various widely used tests.nnRESULTS: While no significant group differences were found on the Social Knowledge Test, SSD patients performed lower than the HC group on both theory of mind tests. PD patients only had lower performance than the HC group on specific items from the Combined Stories Test.nnCONCLUSIONS: PD and SSD patients demonstrated distinctive patterns of social cognitive impairments, with items of greater complexity or with an affective orientation being the most discriminant for PD.},
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pubstate = {published},
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