Prestige and Bipolarity: An evolutionary perspective.

This paper discusses the Measurement of Prestige Factors (MOPF) research. A bipolar spectrum based on social processes is described, elaborating the notion that mood disorders fall along clinical and genetic gradients. In addition to this structural account, a dynamic model will be presented, seeking to describe the functional relationships between prestige, self-esteem and the approach and withdrawal affective processes. It will be argued that the spectrum nodes and dynamic processes have arisen in response to prestige selection and other vectors.  A case-control study of depressive, bipolar and control groups was undertaken.

Subjects were categorised into a seven node bipolar spectrum, based on syndrome and bipolar family history. Variables measured included community prestige, strategic prestige motivation (MSPM) and mood state. The bipolar I and sub threshold nodes scored more highly for MSPM than the unipolar and control groups, indicating an overrepresentation of the prestige leadership phenotype. Similarly, bipolar family history co-segregated with MSPM. Prestige was found to be increased in hypomania and reduced in depression. The dynamic model was supported by correlational analysis. The prestige model of spectrum bipolarity offers a new conceptualisation of affective disorders and has received preliminary support.