Research Symposium Program - Individual Details

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5th annual Undergraduate Research Symposium, April 17, 2025

Zoey Cajote She/Her

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BIO

I am Zoey Cajote, a student at The Collegiate School at Florida State University. I intend to major in psychology, and have strong interests in developmental psychology, political science, and pre-law. I wish to pursue a career in children’s psychology so that I can foster positivity in the upcoming generations of my community. Through this, I hope to help children from all walks of life become the best versions of themselves.

Understanding the Development of Cluster B Personality Disorders

Authors: Zoey Cajote, Madisyn Flammia
Student Major: Highschool Dual-Enrollment, Intended Major: Psychology
Mentor: Madisyn Flammia
Mentor's Department: Research
Mentor's College: The Collegiate School
Co-Presenters:

Abstract

In the field of psychology, personality disorders are recognized as serious and disruptive mental illnesses that can significantly affect an individual’s quality of life and interpersonal functioning. These disorders involve long-term maladaptive patterns including thinking, feeling, and behaving that do not align with cultural expectations and often cause distress or impairment. Among these conditions, Cluster B personality disorders such as borderline, narcissistic, antisocial, and histrionic personality disorders, are often considered particularly difficult to manage due to their association with emotional instability, impulsivity, and problematic relationships. When studying these disorders, an important question arises regarding what factors contribute to their development. Current research suggests that the development of Cluster B personality disorders is influenced by multiple factors, including childhood experiences and biological predispositions. Early life adversity, such as trauma or neglect, may play a significant role in shaping emotional regulation and behavioral patterns, while genetic and neurological vulnerabilities may also increase risk. This paper analyzes existing literature, identifies gaps in research, and proposes directions for future study.

Keywords: development, psychology, personality, disorder, perspective