Recognizing Borderline Personality Disorder in Men: Gender Differences in BPD Symptom Presentation

Women are predominantly diagnosed with BPD, with studies estimating a 3:1 female-to-male diagnostic ratio in clinical settings. Previous studies present conflicting findings regarding gender-level criterion differences, with some indicating differences in contradictory criteria. These studies primarily utilize outpatient samples, highlighting gaps in the literature. Thus, the current study investigates gender-level criterion differences, functioning, and impairment within a novel, partial hospital sample. Participants included (a) a sample of 1,153 individuals from the total population of partial hospital patients regardless of BPD diagnosis and (b) 365 BPD-positive patients who were assessed via semistructured clinical interview and provided consent for data collection during the intake process. Results indicated that (a) women endorsed higher relationship instability than men and (b) there were no significant differences in level of functioning across the gender subsamples. Examining gender differences in BPD symptomatology has clinical implications in improving recognition and addressing potential biases associated with men and mental health.

Internalized Weight Stigma and Weight Discrimination: Associations with Quality of Life and Psychosocial Impairment in a Sample Living with Food Insecurity

Research suggests that experiencing weight discrimination is associated with a lower quality of life and poor psychological and physical health. However, much of the existing weight discrimination literature has neglected under-represented groups. Little is known about how the experience of weight discrimination affects quality of life and eating/weight-related psychosocial impairment in those living with food insecurity. The present study investigated the associations of weight discrimination and eating/weight-related psychosocial impairment and quality of life. We examined internalized weight stigma and several psychological indicators as potential mediators. Participants (N = 1085) who were recruited from a local food bank completed a questionnaire assessing food insecurity, weight discrimination, internalized weight stigma, eating disorder pathology, anxiety, depression, eating/weight-related psychosocial impairment, and quality of life. Overall, almost one in four participants reported experiencing weight discrimination. Our serial mediation models indicated that increased experiences of weight discrimination were associated with greater internalized weight stigma and psychopathology, which were in turn associated with lower quality of life and greater eating/weight-related psychosocial impairment. Thus, experiencing weight discrimination may negatively impact quality of life and eating/weight-related psychosocial impairment through its effect on mental health. It is imperative to address the negative effects of the widespread discrimination of people based on their weight.