Rejection Sensitivity, Self-Compassion, and Aggressive Behavior: The Role of Borderline Features as a Mediator.

Eliane Sommerfeld,Mally Shechory Bitton

doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2020.00044

Abstract

This study used mediation analyses to examine the assumption that the presence of borderline personality features mediates the relationship between rejection sensitivity (RS), self-compassion, and aggressive behavior. Sixty adults consisting of 31 participants diagnosed with borderline personality disorder and 29 participants with no diagnosis of borderline personality disorder were assessed for RS, self-compassion, aggressive behavior, and borderline personality features. Mediation was found for the total aggression score, anger score, and hostility score regarding both self-compassion and RS. Mediation was also found regarding RS and verbal and physical aggression, and regarding self-compassion and verbal and physical aggression. These findings provide evidence that the presence of borderline personality features is an important factor in explaining the associations linking RS and self-compassion to aggressive behavior. High RS and low self-compassion are associated with greater borderline personality features, which in turn relate to increased aggressive behavior.

Highlights

Interpersonal aggression is closely dependent on the ways people perceive and interpret themselves and others in interpersonal situations
Participants with borderline personality disorder reported higher levels of aggressive behavior, borderline features, rejection sensitivity (RS), and lower levels of self-compassion compared to controls
Higher levels of rejection-sensitivity and lower levels of self-compassion were significantly correlated with aggressive behavior

Summary

Introduction

Interpersonal aggression is closely dependent on the ways people perceive and interpret themselves and others in interpersonal situations. Rejection sensitivity (RS) and self-compassion are two constructs that capture the way that individuals feel in relation to themselves and to others and are presumed to be related to aggressive behavior (e.g., Ayduk et al, 1999; Downey et al, 2000; Morley, 2015). Investigation into the relationship between RS, self-compassion, and aggressive behavior in the context of borderline personality features (i.e., borderline cognition and emotions) has yet to be adequately studied. The aim of the present study was to investigate the associations between RS and self-compassion and aggressive behavior, as well as to explore the role of borderline personality features as a mediator of these associations.

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Conclusion