Borderline Features Research Articles

3.4 Cortical Correlates of Borderline Personality Disorder Features in Youth With Bipolar Disorder and Bipolar Offspring

3.4 Cortical Correlates of Borderline Personality Disorder Features in Youth With Bipolar Disorder and Bipolar Offspring

Atypical Neural Plasticity and Behavioral Effects of Trustworthiness Learning in Borderline Personality Disorder Features.

This study distinguishes interpersonal trust learning with a novel trust learning paradigm in participants high (H-BPD) and low (L-BPD) in BPD features. Neutral faces were paired with trust-relevant behaviors in four conditions: trustworthy, untrustworthy, ambiguously trustworthy, and mixed trustworthiness. After training, participants rated faces on untrustworthiness as electroencephalographic measures were recorded. H-BPD rated neutral faces as significantly more untrustworthy than L-BPD at both time periods. Negative and ambiguous trustworthiness pairing conditions led to higher ratings of untrustworthiness, whereas trustworthy and mixed descriptors led to lower ratings of untrustworthiness. Learning enhanced the amplitude of an early sensory event-related potential (ERP) component (i.e., P1) for both groups. The slow-wave ERP, an index of sustained attention, revealed greater focus after learning to trustworthy descriptors in H-BPD and to untrustworthy descriptors in L-BPD. H-BPD utilized greater effort to overcome an inherent mistrust bias and L-BPD to overcome unexpected untrustworthy information.

The alternative model of personality disorders or early maladaptive schemas? Usefulness for understanding borderline features in a non-clinical adult sample

Introduction and objective: The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) alternative model of personality disorders (AMPD) is currently under empirical verification for its usefulness and diagnostic accuracy. At the same time, numerous studies based on Young’s concept of maladaptive schemas are underway. The aim of the research was to compare the possibilities of explaining the severity of borderline features using both models. Materials and methods: The results obtained from 565 healthy adults, with women accounting for slightly more than 52%, aged 18–81 years (M = 37 years) were analysed. The Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Axis II Personality Disorders – Personality Questionnaire (items for borderline personality disorder) (SCID-II, BPD part), Young Schema Questionnaire – Short Form (YSQ-S3) and Personality Inventory for DSM-5 (PID-5), Brief Form were used. Results: Regression analysis demonstrated that schemas account for about 39%, and personality traits for 53% of borderline trait variability, and their combined use increases this percentage to 55%. Structural modelling, in turn, indicated that only three schema domains are relevant for explaining borderline traits, but only indirectly. The direct effect schemas have on the personality dimensions from the AMPD model (only Impaired Autonomy has a significant direct effect on borderline). Contrary to the assumptions of the AMPD model, Negative Affectivity holds the slightest importance for the severity of borderline, while the greatest effect strength characterises Psychoticism. Conclusions: The dimensions of an alternative personality model have a direct relationship with BPD traits. The schemas explain personality traits (AMPD) but not the severity of the disorder itself.

Dissociative Dimensions and Their Implications for Emotional Dysregulation Underlying Borderline Personality Disorder Features.

Emotion dysregulation is considered a core feature of borderline personality disorder (BPD). The role of dissociation in BPD has been discussed from different perspectives. Nevertheless, implications of dissociation for BPD features are not clear. The current study estimated mediation effects of dissociative dimensions on the relationships between several emotion regulation strategies (ERSs) and BPD features among 281 adults recruited from the general population. The online survey administered a comprehensive self-report battery for the assessment of maladaptive and adaptive ERSs together with dissociative dimensions. Borderline personality disorder features were also self-report screened. Results showed significant indirect effects of dissociation on the relationships between ERSs and BPD features. Dissociation was a full mediator of the relationship between deficits with problem-solving skills and BPD criteria. The study confirmed that emotion dysregulation is a core feature of BPD and that the dissociative dimensions should be included as relevant maladaptive mechanisms sustaining BPD emotional difficulties.

A detailed study on the selection of borderline features for accurate mechanism description of the adsorption of different pesticide molecules under different temperature ranges

Mathematical models play a crucial role in data acquisition by boosting the capacity to interpret and group the gathered information. However, the challenge lies in choosing the most accurate model to represent data sets with very slight nuances, as it occurs in the validation of adsorption processes considering molecules with different properties but similar structural attributes. Due to these very small variations, there is a high chance of excessive adaption to specific patterns created by the distributions, statistically blindsiding the decision-making. In this work, we used statistical physics (sta-phy) modeling and thermodynamic calculations of the three different pesticides 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), dicamba (DCB), and mecoprop (MCPP) on a woody based activated carbon (WBAC) to demonstrate these patterns while also unveiling the mechanisms involved. We demonstrate that the statistical criteria alone do not provide enough clarity in these cases, and we propose using the physical meaning of each estimated parameter as a way out. Thus, in this work, we prove in detail that using sta-phy models requires absolute mastering of the subjects to ensure reliable results by understanding the relationships between the adsorption parameters and the system properties instead of a simple read of the determination coefficients.

Retrospective reports of perceived parental invalidation and borderline personality traits: The indirect effect of personality functioning.

This study examined the indirect effect via Criterion A (personality functioning) of the Alternative Model for Personality Disorders (AMPD) in the relationship between retrospective reports of perceived parental invalidation and borderline personality traits measured by Criterion B (pathological personality traits). A total of 3,019 college students completed self-report scales of the Chinese Invalidating Family Scale, Level of Personality Functioning Scale-Brief Form 2.0, and Personality Inventory for DSM-5. It was found that the indirect effect of personality functioning was significant for the association between levels of perceived overall-B = 0.52, 95% CI [0.47, 0.57], maternal-B = 0.83, [0.75, 0.91], and paternal-B = 0.97, [0.87, 1.08] invalidation, and BPD traits. The outcomes of the research suggested the critical role of personality functioning as a potential mediator in the pathological effect of perceived parental invalidation on the development of borderline personality disorder features. While the study is limited by the use of self-report measurement, retrospective responding, and cross-sectional design, significant implications on the biosocial model and AMPD were discussed. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).

The experiences of parents in an early-intervention program for young people with borderline personality disorder features.

Previous research demonstrates that parents' communication skills may contribute to the development and maintenance of their young person's borderline personality disorder (BPD). Carers of people with BPD also experience their own psychosocial stressors and feel unsupported. Consequently, Dialectical Behavior Therapy for adolescents (DBT-A) invites parents to partake in group therapy alongside their young person. Despite this involvement, little research exists examining parents' perspective of engaging in a DBT-A program, and specifically whether they experience their own benefits and changes from being part of the program. To examine this, the current study interviews 34 parents who engaged in an early intervention DBT-A program. Thematic analysis resulted in seven key themes and 16 subthemes beginning with parents' expectations of the program, followed by the key elements of the program that facilitated change, and the actual changes and benefits attributed to these elements. Overall, parents were surprised by their own gains from the program, and how the skills they learned facilitated personal development that improved family communication and functioning with their young person and more broadly. This study addresses the gap in understanding the parent perspective with clinical implications for the benefits of involving parents in therapy more generally.

Association between Maternal Personality Traits and Children's Sleep Disturbance: A Population-based Cohort Study in Republic of Korea.

Sleep affects the development and severity of psychiatric symptoms in children, and maternal personality traits may influence children's sleep. We aimed to confirm the longitudinal effect of maternal personality traits on children's sleep disturbance using cohort data from the Panel Study on Korean Children. Maternal personality traits were assessed using the Personality Assessment Inventory in 2009, and the sleep disturbance of children was assessed using parent survey data from 2010 to 2014 (2nd-6th waves). Among the 11 clinical scales of the Personality Assessment Inventory, the 5 scales that showed the most significant correlations were analyzed. Presence or absence of child sleep disturbance was evaluated with a chi-square test, and the effect of the Personality Assessment Inventory was assessed by a binary logistic regression analysis with child sleep disturbance as the dependent variable. Of the 171 mother-child dyads, 92 were classified into the sleep disturbance group and 79 were classified into the normal sleep group. Maternal somatic concerns showed a significant relationship with children's sleep disturbance at years 2 and 3. Maternal borderline features demonstrated a significant relationship with children's sleep disturbance from years 2 to 5. The binary logistic regression analysis revealed a significant association between high borderline features and children's sleep disturbance at years 2 and 3. High maternal borderline features evaluated at child age 1 were related to sleep disturbance in early childhood. In assessing a children's sleep problems, it may be important to examine mothers' dysfunctional personality traits.

Trajectories, comorbidity, and risk factors for adolescent disordered eating and borderline personality disorder features.

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) and eating disorders are highly comorbid, but the shared course of symptoms and associated risks remain poorly understood. The aim of this study was to examine joint symptom trajectories, temporal precedence, risk factors, and population attributable fractions (PAFs) in a community sample of adolescents, using a developmental psychopathology and psychosocial framework. Across five years (age 14-18 years), adolescents (n = 544, 56% girls) reported on BPD features and disordered eating behavior. Sociodemographic, interpersonal, and clinical risks were assessed in childhood (age 10-13 years). We used a person-centered approach to examine latent class growth analyses, joint trajectory models, and calculated PAFs. Three-class solutions were found for both disordered eating and BPD features (low, moderate, high), creating nine joint trajectories. High levels of disordered eating were a stronger indicator of high levels of BPD features than was the reverse. Girls and LGBTQ+ youth were most likely to be in a high symptom trajectory. Bullying perpetration and clinical hyperactivity were unique risks for BPD features. Bullying victimization contributed the largest PAF to disordered eating and BPD features. We identified several novel and clinically relevant findings related to temporality, risks, screening, and the treatment of adolescent eating problems and BPD.

Adolescent mentalizing and childhood emotional abuse: implications for depression, anxiety, and borderline personality disorder features.

There is preliminary evidence that childhood emotional abuse (CEA) is a risk factor for adolescent mentalizing difficulties (Uncertainty/Confusion about mental states) and borderline personality features and that Uncertainty/Confusion about mental states mediate the relationship between CEA and adolescent borderline personality features, but these findings need replication. Furthermore, no previous studies have examined the relationship between adolescent mentalizing deficits, anxiety, and depression in the context of CEA. This study examined the associations between CEA, adolescent borderline personality features, depression and anxiety symptoms and tested a pathway model where Uncertainty/Confusion about mental states mediates the relationships between CEA and adolescent borderline personality features, depression and anxiety symptoms. A clinical sample of 94 adolescents completed the Reflective Function Questionnaire for Youth (RFQY) to assess mentalizing, the Childhood Experiences of Care and Abuse Questionnaire (CECA-Q), the Borderline Personality Disorders Features Scale (BPFS-C), and the Beck Youth Inventories for Depression (BDI-Y) and Anxiety (BAI-Y). Uncertainty/Confusion about mental states partially mediated the relationship between CEA and borderline traits as well as anxiety. In addition, there was an indirect effect where CEA predicted Uncertainty/Confusion about mental states, which then predicted depression. The findings are consistent with the mentalizing model of psychopathology and provide new evidence that Uncertainty/Confusion about mental states might be a critical mentalizing deficit that characterizes the associations between CEA and adolescent BPD features and depression and anxiety symptoms. Uncertainty/Confusion may be a transdiagnostic risk factor for adolescent psychological distress and dysfunction. We discuss the clinical implications.

Edited Pictures in Social Network and Borderline Personality Organization: Focusing on Shame, Guilt, Social Comparison, and Body Image

The habit to share edited pictures through social networks have been reported in young people and associated to psychological vulnerabilities. The research addresses the effects of the exposure to edited pictures on guilt, shame, social comparison tendencies, body image dissatisfaction. Moreover, the study assesses the mediating role of borderline organization on perceived identification and attractiveness in edited and original personal pictures.
 We asked seventy young women to rate perceived identification and attractiveness in their original and edited pictures. Subjects report higher identification in the original picture compared to the edited ones; attractiveness does not change between original and edited pictures, but high identification in edited ones negatively affects the score of attractiveness in original versions. They report negative associations between the level of identification and attractiveness in the original picture and dysphoria, guilt and body image. Identification and attractiveness in personal pictures are influenced by psychological vulnerabilities. Eventually, borderline organization features mediate the association between guilt and body image satisfaction with identification and attractiveness respectively. Furthermore, psychopathological features might affect individual self-perception and behavior in social network.

Borderline personality disorder features and their relationship with trauma and dissociation in a sample of community health service users

BackgroundPrevious studies have indicated that borderline personality disorder (BPD) is closely associated with trauma and dissociation. Nevertheless, BPD is a heterogeneous condition, and not all people with BPD have severe dissociation. This study examined whether the relationship of BPD features with trauma and dissociation would remain significant after controlling for some general non-specific mental health distress. We also made the first attempt to explore which specific BPD features would be particularly associated with dissociation.MethodsWe analyzed survey data from a sample of community health service users in Hong Kong (N = 376). Hierarchical multiple regression and data-driven network analysis were used.ResultsThe lifetime prevalence of DSM-5 BPD was 16.0% in our sample. Of participants who met criteria for BPD, 43.3% scored above cutoff on the dissociation measures, thus possibly having clinically significant dissociative symptoms. BPD features were associated with adulthood trauma and psychoform dissociation even after controlling for age, depression and self-esteem. Network analysis showed that some BPD features – including impulsivity, identity disturbance and suicidal/self-mutilation behaviors – were particularly associated with dissociation; other BPD features such as interpersonal-related problems had relatively weak to no connection with dissociation.ConclusionsOur results suggested that some particular BPD features might be dissociative in nature, although further longitudinal research is required. We argue that a trauma-informed perspective should be employed when working with clients presenting with BPD features despite these features being commonly stigmatized. Further research on the intervention needs of the people with BPD who suffer from high levels of dissociation is required.

To feel safe inside and out: The effect of self-compassion and social safeness underlie the relationship between parental invalidation and borderline features in sexual minority adults

ABSTRACT Sexual minority (SM) individuals experience minority-related social stressors that increase their vulnerability to experience psychopathological symptoms. Invalidating environments include non-acceptance of emotional expressions, and constitute a risk factor for developing borderline personality traits. Although research suggests that self-compassion and social safeness can act as protective factors to SM people against the development of anxiety and depression, less is known about their role in borderline personality symptoms experienced by SM. This study aims to test the mediation effect of self-compassion and social safeness in the relationship between paternal and maternal invalidation and borderline traits in a sample of 132 SM individuals with aged between 18-63 years old (M = 34.3, SD = 11.4). Self-report questionnaires were completed using an online survey. Data were analysed through SPSS and PROCESS Macro. Results showed that self-compassion and social safeness mediate the relationship between both maternal and paternal invalidation and borderline traits. These seem to echo previous studies about the positive relationship between parental invalidation and borderline personality traits, and adds to it by suggesting that difficulties in experiencing self-compassion as well as in feeling socially safe are significant risk factors underlying this relationship. These results yield clinical implications for affirmative psychological interventions with SM individuals, which are fully discussed.

Maladaptive Personality Traits and Internalizing and Externalizing Problems: The Role of Borderline and Narcissistic Features in Adolescence.

Research has shown the importance of delving into the variables associated with externalizing and internalizing behaviors in adolescence, highlighting gender-related differences in their presentations. This two-wave longitudinal study aims to address gaps in understanding the concurrent contribution of borderline and narcissistic personality traits to the presence and maintenance of internalizing and externalizing problems in adolescence. We recruited 705 adolescents (65% females; age range 13-19 years old; Mage = 15.84, SD = 1.31) to self-report on behavioral problems (YSR-112), borderline (BPFSC-11) and narcissistic traits (PNI) at baseline and again on behavioral problems after 12 months. Data highlighted significant differences between males and females for all variables except externalizing problems. Hierarchical regression models showed that borderline traits are a prominent risk factor for all behavioral problems in males and females at baseline and after 12 months. Moreover, regardless of gender, higher grandiose narcissism contributes to lower internalizing problems only when the direct contribution of vulnerable presentations of narcissism is considered. Grandiose narcissism is also a risk factor for externalizing problems after 12 months in females, whereas vulnerable narcissism significantly increases the likelihood of internalizing trajectories improving over 12 months. This study provides more evidence of the associations between maladaptive personality traits and adolescent internalizing and externalizing problems: (1) confirming that borderline traits are crucial beyond gender, (2) stressing the importance of considering both grandiose and vulnerable narcissistic traits, and (3) highlighting the adaptive value of narcissistic vulnerability in capturing the adolescent crisis. The implications for clinical practice and intervention are also discussed.

"Holding in Anger" as a Mediator in the Relationship between Attachment Orientations and Borderline Personality Features.

Insecure attachment and difficulties in regulating anger have both been put forward as possible explanations for emotional dysfunction in borderline personality (BP). This study aimed to test a model according to which the influence of attachment on BP features in a subclinical population is mediated by anger regulation. In a sample of 302 participants, BP features were assessed with the Borderline features scale of the Personality Assessment Inventory (PAI-BOR), attachment was measured with the Experiences in Close Relationships-12 (ECR-12), and trait anger and anger regulation were assessed with the State and Trait Anger Expression Inventory-2 (STAXI-2). The results indicated that anger suppression emerged as a significant mediator of the associations between both anxious and avoidant attachment and BP traits, while anger control resulted as a marginal mediator in the association between attachment avoidance and BP. Suppressing anger may reflect different forms of cognitive or behavioural avoidance of anger, which may differ on the basis of attachment orientations. We argue that these results may have important clinical implications: the promotion of anger regulation in BP should be considered a critical treatment goal.

Trajectories and Predictors of Change in Emotion Dysregulation and Deliberate Self-Harm Amongst Adolescents with Borderline Features.

Deliberate self-harm (DSH) and emotion dysregulation (ED) peaks in adolescence, and is associated with an increased risk of psychopathology, suicide and lower functioning in adulthood. DBT-A has been established as an effective treatment for reducing DSH, however less is known about changes in emotion dysregulation. This study aimed to identify baseline predictors of treatment response in outcome trajectories of DSH and emotion dysregulation. Response trajectories of DSH and ED were investigated using Latent Class Analysis on RCT data comparing DBT-A and EUC for 77 adolescents treated for deliberate self-harm and borderline traits. Logistic regression analysis was used to examine baseline predictors. Two-class solutions were selected for both indicators, distinguishing between early and late responders in DSH, and responders and non-responders in ED. Higher levels of depression, shorter DSH histories and not receiving DBT-A predicted less favourable response in DSH, while DBT-A was the only predictor of treatment response in ED. DBT-A was associated with a significantly faster reduction of deliberate self-harm in the short-term and improved emotion regulation in the long-term.

A randomised controlled trial of a psychoeducational group intervention for family and friends of young people with borderline personality disorder features.

Preliminary evidence indicates that interventions designed to support family and friends ('carers') of young people with early-stage borderline personality disorder effectively improve carer outcomes. None of these interventions have been tested in a randomised controlled trial. This clustered, partially nested, randomised controlled trial was conducted at Orygen, Melbourne, Australia. Carers of young people (aged 15-25 years) with borderline personality disorder features were randomly assigned as a unit in a 1:1 ratio, balanced for young person's sex and age, to receive a 15-day intervention comprising: (1) the three-session, in-person, Making Sense of BPD (MS-BPD) multi-family group programme, plus two self-directed online psychoeducational modules (MS-BPD + Online, n = 38), or (2) the two self-directed online psychoeducational modules alone (Online, n = 41). The primary outcome was 'negative experiences of care', measured with the Experience of Caregiving Inventory, at the 7-week endpoint. A total of 79 carers were randomised (pool of 281, 197 excluded, 94 declined) and 73 carers (51 females [69.9%], Mage = 43.8 years [standard deviation, SD = 12.9], MS-BPD + Online n = 35 [47.9%], Online n = 38 [52.1%]) provided follow-up data and were included in the intent-to-treat analysis. The intent-to-treat (and per protocol) analyses did not find any significant differences between the groups on the primary (d = -0.32; 95% confidence interval = [-17.05, 3.97]) or secondary outcomes. Regardless of treatment group, caregivers improved significantly in their personality disorder knowledge. Delivering MS-BPD in conjunction with an online psychoeducational intervention was not found to provide additional benefit over and above access to an online intervention alone. In accordance with national guidelines, carer interventions should be routinely offered by youth mental health services as part of early intervention programmes for borderline personality disorder. Further research is warranted into which interventions work for whom, carers' preferences for support and barriers to care.

Trajectories of adaptive and disturbed identity dimensions in adolescence: developmental associations with self-esteem, resilience, symptoms of depression, and borderline personality disorder features.

To advance our understanding of adolescents' identity formation and how it may play into their psychological functioning, this study investigated developmental trajectory classes of adaptive and disturbed dimensions of identity formation, and whether adolescents belonging to different trajectory classes develop differently on self-esteem, resilience, symptoms of depression, and borderline personality disorder (BPD) features. Three-wave longitudinal data from 2,123 Flemish adolescents was used (54.2% girls; Mage = 14.64, range = 12-18 at T1). Results pointed to four trajectory classes of identity formation: adaptive identity, identity progression, identity regression, and diffused identity. The adaptive identity class presented with stable high levels of self-esteem and resilience, and stable low levels of symptoms of depression and BPD, whereas opposite results were obtained for the diffused identity class. The identity progression class reported an increase in self-esteem and resilience as well as a decrease in symptoms of depression and BPD, whereas opposite results were obtained for the identity regression class. These results emphasize that adaptive and disturbed dimensions of identity formation are closely related to markers of well-being and psychopathology among adolescents, and could help identify adolescents with an increased risk for negative psychological functioning or increased opportunity for positive psychological functioning.

Operationalizing intimacy and identity aspects of personality functioning in relation to personality disorder in adolescents.

According to dimensional models of personality pathology, deficits in interpersonal (intimacy and empathy) and self (identity and self-direction) function (Criterion A) are core to all personality disorders. These aspects of personality functioning (Criterion A) have seldom been evaluated for how they might relate to one another in the context of personality pathology in adolescents. Moreover, the use of performance-based measures to evaluate aspects of Criterion A function remains an untapped resource. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate relations between two features of Criterion A, maladaptive intimacy and maladaptive (or diffused) identity, in adolescence. For intimacy, we leverage a performance-based approach to studying intimacy, operationalized in a developmentally relevant way (perceived parental closeness). For identity, we rely on a validated self-report measure of identity diffusion. We examined the relationship between these features with each other and their relations with borderline features. Additionally, we explored whether identity diffusion mediated the expected relationship between perceived parental closeness and borderline features. We hypothesized that greater distance in perceived parental closeness would be associated with higher levels of borderline features, as well as higher levels of identity diffusion, and that identity diffusion would account for the relationship between intimacy and personality pathology. The sample included 131 inpatient adolescents (M age = 15.35, 70.2% female). Results indicated that intimacy, operationalized as perceived parental closeness, with both mothers and fathers was significantly associated with levels of identity diffusion and borderline features. In addition, greater feelings of closeness with parents were associated with lower severity of borderline features via healthier identity function. Implications of the results, limitations, and future directions are discussed.

Early memories of warmth and safeness with peers and borderline personality features in adolescents: The mediator role of self-disgust

IntroductionAdolescence is a development stage that stands out by normative challenges that comprise the creation of representations about the self and the others, the definition of a sense of identity, and adaptation of emotional regulatory strategies and behaviors in social contexts, particularly within the group of peers. However, these developmental tasks can raise psychological difficulties that may facilitate the emergence of psychopathology in adolescents.ObjectivesAnalyze the role of self-disgust in the relationship between early memories of warmth and safeness with peers and borderline personality features in adolescents.MethodsSample was composed of 451 adolescents (260 females and 185 males), with a mean of 15.55 years of age (SD = 1.49), who completed self-report questionnaires to assess early memories of warmth and safeness with peers (EMWSSPeers-A), self-disgust (MSDS-A) and borderline features (BPFS-C). Pearson’s correlation coefficients and a path analysis were performed using SPSS and PROCESS Macro.ResultsGirls had higher values of self-disgust and borderline features than boys, as well as similar levels in early memories of warmth and safeness with peers. The mediation model was significant and explained 54% of the variance of the borderline traits, with early emotional positive memories with peers and self-disgust dimensions contributing significantly to the explanation model. Gender and exclusion (a specific dimension of the self-disgust scale) did not have predictive power in borderline features.ConclusionsOur results contribute to a better understanding of the psychological mechanisms involved in the development of borderline traits and consequently to clinical practices and research on adolescence.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared