MEDICAL DOCTOR and legislator Dr Ken Baugh says personality disorder within the society is a result of a breakdown in the family structure.

Arguing that it is important that the science which influences human behaviour is understood, Baugh last week said it is important that the state sets about rebuilding the critical structures in early socialisation.

"I have no doubt in my mind that because of the breakdown of the family, and what I see in rural Jamaica, and urban inner cities of families suffering from this dismantlement, that they contribute significantly to this personality disorder that impede learning," Baugh said.

Direct correlation

The West Central St Andrew MP was contributing to the debate of the National Parenting Support Commission Act in the House of Representatives last Tuesday.

Baugh said there is a direct correlation between personality disorder and the state of the families.

He also said the environment in which children live could have negative implications on children's behaviours.

"I am afraid that a lot of our children in their homes are subject to a lot of stress, a lot of hostility, to loud noises, to discordant music, to sleeplessness, the lack of space in the home," Baugh said.

He said he has no doubt that the there have been a significant number of personality disorder as a consequence of broken families.