Dysfunctional schema modes, childhood trauma and dissociation in borderline personality disorder

Abstract

Objective To examine the relationship between dysfunctional schema modes, childhood trauma and dissociation in borderline personality disorder (BPD). Method 30 BPD patients completed the Wessex Dissociation Scale (WDS), Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ), General Health Questionnaire (GHQ), and Schema Mode Questionnaire (SMQ). Results The ‘ Angry and Impulsive Child’ and ‘ Abandoned and Abused Child’ modes uniquely predicted dissociation scores. Childhood trauma did not predict dissociation scores. Conclusions Findings support the schema mode model of BPD [Young, J. E., Klosko, J. S., & Weishaar, M. E. (2003). Schema therapy: A practitioners guide. London: Guilford Press] and its emphasis on the role of dissociation. Clinically they support the emphasis on the identification and integration of dysfunctional parts of the personality in working with individuals diagnosed with BPD.