Abstract
Background/ObjectiveIntolerance of aloneness is considered a core feature of borderline personality disorder (BPD) that is clinically significant, yet under-researched. This study developed a measure of aloneness for individuals with BPD.MethodInterviews investigating the experience of aloneness for BPD participants (n = 12) formed the basis for the development of the measure. Pilot testing then occurred with BPD participants, control participants and qualified respondents. Validity, reliability and factor analysis of an Experience of Time Alone Scale (ETAS) was conducted with BPD participants (n = 112) and a comparison control group (n = 105).ResultsA three factor structure was revealed: (a) Cannot Cope Alone (α = .92), (b) Need to Escape from Others (α = .90), and (c) Consumed in Intolerable Distress (α = .88). The measure correlated significantly (p < .01) with the Mental Health Inventory, the Aloneness and Evocative Memory Scale, and the Hurvich Experience Inventory- Revised. Comparisons revealed highly significant differences between the BPD sample and control group on all subscales and the total score (U = 75.5, p = < .001, r = -.85).ConclusionsThis study represents one of the first empirical examinations of a construct that has largely only been studied theoretically. This newly developed measure may contribute to diagnosis and therapy.
Highlights
Borderline personality disorder (BPD) involves instability of interpersonal relationships, selfimage, behaviours and affects [1]
This study developed a measure of aloneness for individuals with borderline personality disorder (BPD)
This study represents one of the first empirical examinations of a construct that has largely only been studied theoretically. This newly developed measure may contribute to diagnosis and therapy
Summary
Interviews investigating the experience of aloneness for BPD participants (n = 12) formed the basis for the development of the measure. Reliability and factor analysis of an Experience of Time Alone Scale (ETAS) was conducted with BPD participants (n = 112) and a comparison control group (n = 105). Data Availability Statement: Data restrictions imposed by the University of Wollongong’s Human Research Ethics Committee prevent the uploading of participant data as it would constitute a violation of the approved procedure. Participants provided informed consent to participate in the current research and gave permission for the research team to use the data and for it to be confidentially secured. Participants did not provide informed consent for their data to be provided to online databases. Applications to access participant data will need to be addressed to Ethics Officer, Human
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