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Nielsen SR, Wright AGC. The Structure of Identity Dysfunction in Self-Report Measures. J Pers Assess 2024:1-16. [PMID: 38856117 DOI: 10.1080/00223891.2024.2362982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
Identity dysfunction is considered core to psychopathology, contributing to emotional and interpersonal problems across psychiatric diagnoses. Despite its centrality in theories of personality and psychopathology, the empirical research on the structure of identity dysfunction is fragmented by a plethora of self-report measures assessing varied domains of identity dysfunction. This project examines conceptual domains of identity dysfunction in self-report assessments, with the goal of elucidating a clear structure of identity dysfunction to advance both theory and measurement. Toward this aim, we a) investigate the factor structure of identity dysfunction in existing self-report measures, using exploratory factor analysis and b) examine relationships between identity dysfunction and closely related constructs, using exploratory structural equation modeling. We assess responses from 632 young adults to 17 commonly used identity functioning self-report measures. In a series of exploratory factor analyses, we identified four content-domains of Identity Dysfunction (Self-Alienation, Susceptibility to External Influence, Self-Dysregulation, and Contingent Self-Esteem) and three content domains of Identity Clarity (Self-Consistency, Reflective Functioning, and Authentic Living). These content domains were largely well-represented by a single factor. In a series of exploratory structural equation models, emergent factors related similarly to personality, emotion dysregulation, and values and problems in interpersonal relationships.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Aidan G C Wright
- Department of Psychology, University of Michigan
- Eisenberg Family Depression Center, University of Michigan
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2
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Tedesco V, Day NJS, Lucas S, Grenyer BFS. Diagnosing borderline personality disorder: Reports and recommendations from people with lived experience. Personal Ment Health 2024; 18:107-121. [PMID: 37997227 DOI: 10.1002/pmh.1599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a severe mental health condition marked by impairments in self and interpersonal functioning. Stigma from health staff may often result in a reluctance to diagnose, impacting recovery trajectories. Qualitative interviews were conducted with participants (N = 15; M Age = 36.4 years, SD = 7.5; 93.3% female) with lived experience of BPD exploring topics of illness onset, insight, experience of diagnosis and treatment. Qualitative responses were analysed within a co-design framework with a member of the research team who identifies as having a lived experience of BPD. On average, participant symptoms emerged at 12.1 years of age (SD = 6.6 years, range 1.5-27), but diagnoses of BPD were delayed until 30.2 years (SD = 7.8 years, range 18-44) resulting in a 'diagnosis gap' of 18.1 years (SD = 9.6 years, range 3-30). Participant explanations for BPD emergence varied from biological, psychological and social factors. Benefits of diagnosis (e.g., fostering insight, aiding treatment planning and reducing isolation) were contrasted with challenges (e.g., stigma and treatment unavailability). Delay in diagnosis was common, and no participants reported receiving a diagnosis of BPD during their adolescence yet 85% felt they would have benefited from a diagnosis in adolescence. Only a quarter (27%) felt highly supported in the diagnostic process. An ideal four-step diagnosis procedure was outlined based on recommendations from participants with a lived experience; this involved the following: (1) explain the process, (2) assess thoroughly, (3) explore how the features are active in everyday life and (4) link diagnosis to evidence-based treatment planning.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Sophie Lucas
- Psychology, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia
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3
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Natividad A, Huxley E, Townsend ML, Grenyer BFS, Pickard JA. What aspects of mindfulness and emotion regulation underpin self-harm in individuals with borderline personality disorder? J Ment Health 2024; 33:141-149. [PMID: 36916308 DOI: 10.1080/09638237.2023.2182425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 03/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Self-harm presents significant risk for individuals with borderline personality disorder (BPD). Both self-harm and BPD are associated with deficits in mindfulness and emotion dysregulation. Previous research suggests that thought suppression and emotional inexpressivity may underpin self-harm in people with BPD, suggesting potential links to self-harm functions common for those with BPD. More research is needed to strengthen our understanding of this relationship. AIMS This study examines how BPD symptoms, mindfulness, emotion dysregulation and self-harm functions are related. METHODS Australian community outpatients diagnosed with BPD (N = 110) completed measures of mindfulness, emotion dysregulation and self-harm functions. Serial mediation analyses were conducted to examine relationships between variables. RESULTS BPD symptoms, chronic emptiness, mindfulness skills, describing and non-reacting, emotion dysregulation areas of emotion regulation strategies and poor emotional clarity were associated with recent self-harm. Various combinations of describing, strategies and clarity mediated the path between emptiness and self-harm functions more likely to be endorsed by individuals with a diagnosis of BPD. Describing was associated with all but anti-suicide function, while strategies was associated with all but anti-dissociation. CONCLUSION The study highlights how individuals with BPD experiencing chronic emptiness may benefit from treatment targeting describing skills and adaptive emotion regulation strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Natividad
- School of Psychology, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia
| | - Elizabeth Huxley
- School of Psychology, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia
| | | | - Brin F S Grenyer
- School of Psychology, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia
| | - Judy A Pickard
- School of Psychology, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia
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Moltu C, Kverme B, Veseth M, Natvik E. How people diagnosed with borderline personality disorder experience relationships to oneself and to others. A qualitative in-depth study. Int J Qual Stud Health Well-being 2023; 18:2152220. [DOI: 10.1080/17482631.2022.2152220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Christian Moltu
- Department of Psychiatry, District General Hospital of Førde, Førde, Norway
- Department of Health and Caring sciences, Western Norway University of Applied Science, Førde, Norway
| | - Britt Kverme
- Department of Psychiatry, District General Hospital of Førde, Førde, Norway
- Borgestadklinikken, Blue Cross Resource Centre for Substance Dependence Problems, Skien, Norway
| | - Marius Veseth
- Department of Psychiatry, District General Hospital of Førde, Førde, Norway
- Department of Clinical Psychology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Eli Natvik
- Department of Psychiatry, District General Hospital of Førde, Førde, Norway
- Department of Health and Caring sciences, Western Norway University of Applied Science, Førde, Norway
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Kernot J, Baker A, Oster C, Petrakis M, Dawson S. Employment interventions to assist people who experience borderline personality disorder: A scoping review. Int J Soc Psychiatry 2023; 69:1845-1855. [PMID: 37497932 PMCID: PMC10685697 DOI: 10.1177/00207640231189424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Employment is an important social determinant of health and is associated with positive health outcomes. However, individuals who have been diagnosed with borderline personality disorder (BPD) are significantly underrepresented in the workforce. Whilst there is an array of evidence based therapeutic interventions, there remains a gap in knowledge regarding the most effective ways to enhance employment outcomes for people with a diagnosis of BPD. AIM To explore employment interventions for people with BPD, map the available evidence and identify key concepts and knowledge gaps. METHODS A scoping review was conducted to identify and map the relevant literature. Findings were summarised using a narrative approach. Consultation was provided by a reference group including peer support workers with lived experience of BPD and mental health clinicians. RESULTS Seven articles met the inclusion criteria, including non-randomised and case study/series designs and a randomised controlled trial protocol, with participant numbers generally low. All programmes combined a psychotherapeutic component with work related goals; however, there were notable differences in relation to the conceptual/theoretical approach of the psychotherapeutic component and delivery of the work-related components. Barriers and enablers to programme participation and success are explored. CONCLUSIONS This review provides important insights into the characteristics of vocational rehabilitation interventions for people diagnosed with BPD. The findings will inform the co-production of approaches to support people with BPD to engage in employment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jocelyn Kernot
- Allied Health & Human Performance Academic Unit, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Amy Baker
- Allied Health & Human Performance Academic Unit, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Candice Oster
- Caring Futures Institute, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA, Australia
| | - Melissa Petrakis
- Department of Social Work, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Suzanne Dawson
- Caring Futures Institute, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA, Australia
- Southern Adelaide Local Health Network, Adelaide, SA, Australia
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DiBenedetti D, Kosa K, Waters HC, Oberdhan D. Understanding Patients' Experiences with Borderline Personality Disorder: Qualitative Interviews. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat 2023; 19:2115-2125. [PMID: 37840625 PMCID: PMC10575031 DOI: 10.2147/ndt.s423882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 09/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Patient perspectives of living with borderline personality disorder (BPD) are not traditionally captured in the literature. To overcome this gap, we explored participants' experiences with BPD to gain a better understanding of symptoms and impacts related to the condition. Methods Two experienced researchers conducted semistructured interviews with a subset of participants from a randomized controlled trial evaluating a BPD treatment. The interview study was independent from the trial. Interviews focused on participants' experiences with BPD prior to the trial, including the symptoms and impacts of BPD. Interview transcripts were analyzed to identify dominant trends and generate patterns in the way participants described their experiences with BPD. Results A total of 50 adults with BPD participated in the interview study. The mean age of the participants was 28.5 years (range, 18-53 years) and 72.0% were female. All participants described having difficulties with extreme emotional responses and interpersonal relationships, and most participants reported experiencing issues with self-image, impulsivity, suspiciousness/distrust, feelings of emptiness, and anger. The symptoms that were most bothersome to participants were extreme moods or emotional responses and a pattern of unstable personal relationships. All participants remarked that their BPD-related symptoms negatively impacted their interpersonal relationships, and nearly two-thirds of the sample reported that the impact of BPD on their relationships was the most bothersome. Additionally, more than half of the participants discussed impacts on work or school, memory or thinking, self-care, and financial and legal issues. Conclusion Participants reported that the most bothersome symptoms of BPD were those related to extreme moods or emotional responses and interpersonal relationships. Participants similarly described the impact of BPD on their interpersonal relationships as the most bothersome. Overall, participant perspectives from this study indicate that the burden of BPD is significant and new treatments tailored to patients' real-world needs are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dana DiBenedetti
- Patient-Centered Outcomes Assessment, RTI Health Solutions, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Katherine Kosa
- Patient-Centered Outcomes Assessment, RTI Health Solutions, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Heidi C Waters
- Global Value & Real-World Evidence, Otsuka Pharmaceutical Development & Commercialization, Inc, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Dorothee Oberdhan
- Global Value & Real-World Evidence, Otsuka Pharmaceutical Development & Commercialization, Inc, Rockville, MD, USA
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Bogaerts A, Luyckx K, Bastiaens T, Sleuwaegen E, Berens A, Claes L. The Self-Concept and Identity Measure in Patients with Personality Disorders: A Psychometric Evaluation and Associations With Identity Processes, Core Domains of Self-Functioning, and Personality Disorder Symptoms. Assessment 2023; 30:2184-2197. [PMID: 36594676 DOI: 10.1177/10731911221140313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
As developmental and clinical research on identity has largely developed in disconnect, scholars recommend adopting a developmental psychopathology perspective on identity, which considers adaptive and pathological identity functioning. Such a perspective has also been introduced in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.; DSM-5) Alternative Model for Personality Disorders (AMPD), which suggests that all personality disorders (PDs) are marked by moderate to extreme deficits in self-functioning (i.e., identity and self-direction). The present study aims to validate the Dutch Self-Concept and Identity Measure (SCIM), a 27-item self-report questionnaire that assesses consolidated identity, disturbed identity, and lack of identity, in 153 psychiatric inpatients with PDs (75.2% female; Mage = 31.73). We investigated the factor structure and reliability of the SCIM, and examined associations of SCIM scales with typical identity processes, AMPD domains of self-functioning, and symptoms of all PDs. Results indicated that a 23-item Dutch SCIM produced valid and reliable scores among patients with PDs. Furthermore, SCIM scales were significantly and differentially related to identity commitment processes, ruminative identity exploration, domains of self-functioning, and symptoms of all PDs. Moreover, findings indicated that PDs varied regarding the severity of identity impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annabel Bogaerts
- Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Koen Luyckx
- Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- UNIBS, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa
| | - Tim Bastiaens
- University Psychiatric Centre, KU Leuven, Kortenberg, Belgium
| | - Ellen Sleuwaegen
- University Psychiatric Centre, UZA, Duffel, Belgium
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Ann Berens
- University Psychiatric Centre, UZA, Duffel, Belgium
| | - Laurence Claes
- Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University Antwerp, Belgium
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Bogaerts A, Claes L, Raymaekers K, Buelens T, Bastiaens T, Luyckx K. Trajectories of adaptive and disturbed identity dimensions in adolescence: developmental associations with self-esteem, resilience, symptoms of depression, and borderline personality disorder features. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1125812. [PMID: 37168080 PMCID: PMC10165116 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1125812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023] Open
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annabel Bogaerts
- Department of Clinical Developmental Psychology, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- *Correspondence: Annabel Bogaerts,
| | - Laurence Claes
- Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Koen Raymaekers
- Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Fonds Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Tinne Buelens
- Department of Clinical Psychology, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Tim Bastiaens
- Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- University Psychiatric Centre, KU Leuven, Kortenberg, Belgium
| | - Koen Luyckx
- Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- UNIBS, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa
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Jewell M, Bailey RC, Curran RL, Grenyer BFS. Evaluation of a skills-based peer-led art therapy online-group for people with emotion dysregulation. Borderline Personal Disord Emot Dysregul 2022; 9:33. [PMID: 36447216 PMCID: PMC9708140 DOI: 10.1186/s40479-022-00203-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2021] [Revised: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We developed and piloted a novel art-based online skills program led by a peer mental health professional with lived experience of complex mental health, including Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). Key challenges of living with BPD and emotion dysregulation were addressed through artmaking informed by a dialectical framework and skills, to evaluate acceptability and efficacy. METHOD A structured, manualised 2-hour weekly arts-based skills program was piloted for people with BPD over 18 weeks. Evaluation included both quantitative and qualitative measures at commencement and completion. RESULTS Thirty-eight participants enrolled in the program (89.5% identified she/her pronouns, average age 33.6 years), and 31 completed (82% retention). Multilevel modelling analysis of the primary outcome variable Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS) demonstrated a large improvement over time (effect size Cohen's d = 1.77). Qualitative thematic analysis found participants had improved capacity to regulate emotions and tolerate distress, improved connection with others, enhanced understanding of the self, and higher hope for living well. We found that artmaking facilitated processes and helped the expression of difficult emotions, symbolise challenging relationships, and facilitate greater self-understanding. Participants reported high levels of satisfaction, and 77.4% reported that the program had increased wellbeing. CONCLUSION This novel artmaking program for emotion dysregulation and BPD was acceptable and potentially effective. Peer facilitation using arts-based skills is a modality of therapy for further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahlie Jewell
- School of Psychology and Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, University of Wollongong, 2522, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Western Sydney University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Rachel C Bailey
- School of Psychology and Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, University of Wollongong, 2522, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Brin F S Grenyer
- School of Psychology and Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, University of Wollongong, 2522, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
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Ryttinger R, Serralta F, Pires N, Basto I, Melo G, Ribeiro E. Therapeutic collaboration in a comfort zone: a non-improved borderline patient psychotherapy case study ( Colaboración terapéutica en una zona de confort: estudio de un caso de psicoterapia de un paciente borderline que no experimentó mejoría). STUDIES IN PSYCHOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/02109395.2022.2132750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Nuno Pires
- Instituto Superior de Trabajo Social de Porto, Centro de Investigación Lusíada en Trabajo Social e Intervención Social (CLISSIS)
| | | | - Gysele Melo
- Centro de Investigaciones en Psicología, Universidad de Minho
| | - Eugénia Ribeiro
- Centro de Investigaciones en Psicología, Universidad de Minho
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The role of sense of coherence and loneliness in borderline personality disorder traits: a longitudinal twin study. Borderline Personal Disord Emot Dysregul 2022; 9:19. [PMID: 35909116 PMCID: PMC9341038 DOI: 10.1186/s40479-022-00190-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Borderline personality disorder (BPD) implies having problems with identity and relations with other people. However, not much is known about whether these indications of BPD are present in adolescence, i.e., before personality disorders usually are diagnosed. In this study, we examined the prediction of an aspect of identity (i.e., sense of coherence [SOC]) and social relations (i.e., perceived loneliness) throughout adolescence on BPD traits in young adulthood. In addition, we examined to what degree the predictive ability could be attributed to genetic and environmental factors. We also examined whether life events in adolescence were related to BPD traits. METHODS Three thousand three hundred ninety-one twins, consisting of seven national birth cohorts from Norway, participated in the study. SOC, loneliness and life events were measured three times throughout adolescence with self-report questionnaires, with 2 years in between measurements. BPD traits were measured at the end of adolescence around the age of 19 with a structured interview. Regression analyses were performed to examine the prediction of SOC, loneliness and life events on BPD traits. Cholesky decomposition models were then used to determine to what degree the associations were due to genetic and environmental influences. RESULTS The prediction of SOC and loneliness on BPD traits increased from R = .25 (when measured 6 years prior to the assessment of BPD traits) to R = .45 (when measured shortly before the assessment of BPD traits). In addition, negative life events considered dependent on a person's behavior were related to BPD traits. Negative independent and positive dependent life events did not contribute to the prediction of BPD traits. Cholesky decomposition models showed that SOC and loneliness were associated with BPD traits mainly due to shared genetic influences (i.e., the proportion due to genetic influences ranged from 71 to 86%). Adding negative dependent life events to the prediction of BPD traits did not change these percentages. CONCLUSIONS These findings indicate that the weaker SOC, the stronger feelings of loneliness, and the negative life events associated with BPD traits are mainly consequences of the genetic aspects of BPD traits, rather than having direct effects on levels of BPD symptoms.
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Krause-Utz A. Dissociation, trauma, and borderline personality disorder. Borderline Personal Disord Emot Dysregul 2022; 9:14. [PMID: 35440020 PMCID: PMC9020027 DOI: 10.1186/s40479-022-00184-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Dissociation is a complex phenomenon, which occurs in various clinical conditions, including dissociative disorders, (complex) post-traumatic stress disorder (CPTSD, PTSD), and borderline personality disorder (BPD). Traumatic stress is considered an important risk factor, while the etiology of dissociation is still debated. Next to traumatic experiences, temperamental and neurobiological vulnerabilities seem to contribute to the development of dissociation. Stress-related dissociation is a prevalent symptom of BPD, which may interfere with psychosocial functioning and treatment outcome. More research in the field is strongly needed to improve the understanding and management of this complex phenomenon. This article collection brings together research on dissociation and trauma, with a special focus on BPD or sub-clinical expressions of BPD. In this editorial, recent conceptualizations of dissociation and relevant previous research are introduced in order to provide a framework for this novel research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annegret Krause-Utz
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Institute of Psychology, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands. .,Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands.
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Ikhtabi S, Pitman A, Toh G, Birken M, Pearce E, Johnson S. The experience of loneliness among people with a "personality disorder" diagnosis or traits: a qualitative meta-synthesis. BMC Psychiatry 2022; 22:130. [PMID: 35177022 PMCID: PMC8855579 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-022-03767-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Loneliness is prevalent among people with a "personality disorder" diagnosis or who have related personality traits, but the experience of loneliness among people with "personality disorder" diagnoses/traits has not been well described. A qualitative approach has potential to help understand the experience of loneliness among people with "personality disorder" diagnoses/traits, and to develop interventions that promote recovery. We therefore aimed to synthesise the qualitative literature relevant to this topic. METHOD We conducted a meta-synthesis of qualitative studies exploring the subjective experience of loneliness as reported by people with "personality disorder" diagnoses/traits. We searched four databases using pre-formulated search terms, selected eligible articles, appraised the quality of each, and analyzed data from eligible studies using thematic synthesis. RESULT We identified 39 articles that described the experience of loneliness in people with "personality disorder" diagnoses/traits. From extracted data, we identified seven themes: (1) disconnection and emptiness: a "haunting alienation", (2) alienation arising from childhood experiences, (3) thwarted desire for closeness and connection, (4) paradox: for both closeness and distance, (5) experiences of existential loneliness, (6) recovery, embedded in a social world, and (7) group therapy: a setback. Our results suggest that for our sample early alienating and traumatic experiences may pave the way for experiences of loneliness, which further exacerbate "personality disorder" symptoms and distress. CONCLUSION Despite describing a need to belong and efforts to cope with unmet social needs, people with "personality disorder" diagnoses/traits (particularly "emotionally unstable personality disorder") report experiencing an intense disconnection from other people. This seems rooted in early adversities, reinforced by later traumatic experiences. Given the apparent salience of loneliness to people with "personality disorder" diagnoses/traits, interventions focused on helping people connect with others, which may include both psychological and social components, have potential to be beneficial in reducing loneliness and promoting recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alexandra Pitman
- grid.83440.3b0000000121901201UCL Division of Psychiatry, London, UK ,grid.450564.60000 0000 8609 9937Camden and Islington NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Gigi Toh
- grid.83440.3b0000000121901201UCL Division of Psychiatry, London, UK
| | - Mary Birken
- grid.83440.3b0000000121901201UCL Division of Psychiatry, London, UK
| | - Eiluned Pearce
- grid.83440.3b0000000121901201UCL Division of Psychiatry, London, UK
| | - Sonia Johnson
- grid.83440.3b0000000121901201UCL Division of Psychiatry, London, UK ,grid.450564.60000 0000 8609 9937Camden and Islington NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
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14
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Shepherd D, Taylor S, Csako R, Liao AT, Duncan R. Predictors of Suicide Ideation and Attempt Planning in a Large Sample of New Zealand Help-Seekers. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:794775. [PMID: 35280160 PMCID: PMC8913723 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.794775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM Suicide is a major public health concern worldwide. The present study explores the risk factors for suicide ideation and suicide attempt planning by analyzing anonymized data collected by a New Zealand telephone helpline. METHOD A nation-wide helpline, Lifeline Aoteroa, provided data from distressed callers obtained from May 2017 to April 2018. The analyzed sample consisted of 32,889 counseling calls of clients with a wide range of presenting issues. Frequency analysis and multivariable logistic regression were adopted to determine risk and protective factors associated with two types of suicide behaviors: suicide ideation and suicide planning. RESULTS Risk factors for suicide ideation and suicide planning included: hopelessness, sadness, fear, not coping with symptoms of mental health issues, mild/moderate severity self-harm, severe self-harm, urge to self-harm, alcohol and/or drug addiction, suicide in family, sexual domestic abuse. The adjusted odds rations for these risk factors ranging from 1.31 to 16.42. Protective factors included feelings of hope or joy, the opportunity to talk and, unexpectedly, feeling anxious or stuck. The adjusted odds ratios for protective factors ranged from 0.15 to 0.75. CONCLUSION Risk factors were identified for both suicide ideation and for suicide attempt planning. While some of these risk factors have been reported in existing literature, there are also risk factors unique to the present study that could inform and improve suicide-screening procedures administered by clinicians or helplines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Shepherd
- Department of Psychology, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Stephen Taylor
- Department of Psychology, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Rita Csako
- Department of Psychology, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - An-Tse Liao
- Department of Psychology, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Renee Duncan
- School of Psychology, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
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Howard RC. "Self" and "other": A conceptual bridge linking normal with pathological personality. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:1023236. [PMID: 36339855 PMCID: PMC9630590 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.1023236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The goal of this paper is to try and close the gap between the ways in which pathological and normal personality, including their development, are conceptualized. To this end, attention is drawn to parallels that exist between the ways self-function is conceptualized in contemporary personality psychology and in recent iterations of the major psychiatric nosologies, particularly ICD-11. Conceptualizations in both normal and abnormal personality see a fundamental dichotomy between self as identity and self as socially interdependent (vs autonomous). Evidence is reviewed supporting a basic dichotomy between two categories of personality pathology that can be subsumed under the labels "Acting Out" and "Anxious-Inhibited." It is suggested that fundamental to the personality pathology subsumed under "Acting Out" is a deficient interdependent self, while a defective self-identity is proposed to underlie the personality pathology subsumed under "Anxious-Inhibited."
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard C Howard
- Institute of Mental Health, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
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