Associations between borderline personality disorder features, early maladaptive schemas, and schema modes: A network analysis in a nonclinical sample

Abstract

BackgroundBorderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is a heterogeneous personality disorder. Early Maladaptive Schemas (EMSs) and schema modes are two core concepts of schema theory that play an essential role in understanding BPD symptomatology. MethodsThis study aimed to model the complex associations between key BPD features (e.g., Affective Instability, Identity Problems, Negative Emotions, and Self-Harm), EMSs, and schema modes using network analysis in a sample of undergraduate students (n = 989). The Personality Assessment Inventory-Borderline subscale (PAI-BOR), the Young Schema Questionnaire-Short Form (YSQ-SF), and the Schema Mode Inventory (SMI) were used to assess the severity of BPD features, EMSs, and schema modes, respectively. ResultsThe schema modes were the most central nodes in the model, and the activated EMSs were related to BPD features through schema modes. Distinctive BPD features were also associated with specific schema modes. Interestingly, Affective Instability and Self-Harm features were directly associated with Impulsive Child mode. Identity Problems showed unique associations with the Abandonment schema, Vulnerable Child, and Punitive Parent modes. Finally, Negative Relations were also uniquely connected to the Angry Child mode. ConclusionsThe findings of this study can be helpful for clinicians and researchers to deepen their knowledge about BPD conceptualization.