The aim of this research was to describe the borderline individual’s lived experience of inhibiting self-mutilation and thus capacity for healthy functioning. A question which would elicit a description of the experience o f this phenomena was formulated. Three self-mutilators were interviewed and the two psychologically richest narratives were chosen for the research. Based on phenomenological methodology the two protocols were analysed in detail. From the results it becomes clear that borderline individuals are ambivalent when attempting to inhibit self-mutilation. Although they have a need to be self-sufficient and through a process of trial and error find the method of inhibiting that best suits them, it appears difficult for such individuals to trust that they have this ability and thr hnsr resources to find such a method. Borderline personality structure may be viewed along a continuum. The technique chosen by the individual is likely to fit with where they are developmental^ in relation to this continuum. Hence, while each individual may or may not make use of transitional objects within their techniques, they do have a need to draw on ‘soothers’. Although the ‘soothers’ may vary with regard to shape and form, they do appear to share similar qualities and to become imbued with like meanings by the individuals. The ‘soothers’ create a safe and holding space which is empathic, attuning, non-judgmental and non-directive in its interaction with the borderline individual. ‘Soothers’ need to allow the individual a sense of mastery and control over their otherwise chaotic environment. Repeated use of ‘soothers’ allows the borderline individual to begin drawing on good introjects as opposed to negative introjects which serves to increase confidence, sense o f self and the ability to trust in their own inner resources. This pin points an area of healthy functioning in the individual with borderline structure which until presently has been overlooked in the literature on the functioning of those with borderline structure

Thesis (Ph.D.)--Boston University / PLEASE NOTE: Boston University Libraries did not receive an Authorization To Manage form for this thesis or dissertation. It is therefore not openly accessible, though it may be available by request. If you are the author or principal advisor of this work and would like to request open access for it, please contact us at open-help@bu.edu. Thank you. / Previous studies indicate that four childhood factors - trauma, neglect, separations, and parental psychopathology, are relevant to the etiology of borderline personality disorder (BPD). The present sought to tease apart the relative strength of relationship between these childhood factors and specific features of BPD in adults. Four hypotheses were tested. The first two are: childhood neglect is the best predictor of the BPD features 1) "chronic feelings of emptiness" and 2) "general anxiety and impulsiveness". The second two are: childhood trauma is the best predictor of 3) "self-destructive behaviors" and 4) "depersonalization and brief psychotic episodes". The sample consisted of sixty-six subjects with borderline, antisocial or schizotypal personality disorder or bipolar type II affective disorder. The latter three groups were used as psychiatric control groups. Subjects were obtained from outpatient mental health settings and advertisements for symptomatic volunteers. Thirty-four subjects met full DSM-III criteria for BPD. Ascertainment of the severity of eleven features of BPD was made using a semi-structured interview (BPD Scale). Childhood and parental psychopathology variables were assessed using semi-structured interviews based on subjects' recollections of childhood experiences. statistical procedures included stepwise multiple regression analyses designed to test the hypotheses and to determine the strongest predictor (s) for each of the remaining BPD features. The results supported all four hypotheses. In addition, the results indicated that childhood trauma was the best predictor of the BPD features "regressive behavior in psychiatric treatment", "anger and hostility in relationships", "overdependence in relationships" and overall severity of borderline psychopathology. Parental psychopathology added significant additional variance to the prediction of "overdependence in relationships" and the overall severity of borderline psychopathology. The findings suggest that, in a group of adults with a range of psychiatric illnesses, specific childhood factors are uniquely associated with specific elements of BPD. Additionally, the findings showed that the four childhood factors were significantly inter-correlated, suggesting that BPD is, in part, the result of multiple developmental factors. / 2031-01-01

No description available.

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is one of the most studied psychological disorders in psychology, and it is also one of the most detrimental to the individual. Research on BPD has consistently found that those with the disorder often experience volatile interpersonal interactions, and several areas of research have been dedicated to the understanding of the mechanisms behind these interpersonal struggles. One of the most common theories is that emotion dysregulation and affective instability, two core traits of BPD, may impact these interpersonal interactions in a negative manner. Several researchers have attempted to identify how those with BPD perceive the emotional states of others, but have obtained mixed results. The purpose of the current study was to examine emotion perception in those with borderline personality features using a paradigm which has not been used in any of the existing literature, as well as to explore the differences between the effects of mood state and personality traits on emotion perception, as those with BPD experience high levels of negative mood. A modified version of the Reading the Mind in the Eyes Task was utilized in combination with a mood induction method and a measure of borderline personality to determine the roles of both affective state and personality traits in emotion perception. Results indicated that although mood was unable to be effectively manipulated in the current sample, several findings emerged which offer support to various theories of the potential mechanisms behind emotion perception in BPD, including evidence for impulsivity as a potential influencing factor in accurate emotion perception. In addition, the current study highlights key areas of future research which may provide a greater understanding of how both affect and personality traits influence the interpersonal experiences of those with BPD. An examination of the results, potential mechanisms behind study findings, and future directions are discussed.

Thesis (M.A.)--University of Missouri-Columbia, 2007. / The entire dissertation/thesis text is included in the research.pdf file; the official abstract appears in the short.pdf file (which also appears in the research.pdf); a non-technical general description, or public abstract, appears in the public.pdf file. Title from title screen of research.pdf file (viewed on May 11, 2009) Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Washington, 2004. / Vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 101-124).

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Texas at Austin, 2004. / Supervisor: Ricardo C. Ainslie. Vita. Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Washington, 2002. / Vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 63-77).

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Hawaii at Manoa, 2004. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 271-279).

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Washington, 2000. / Vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 72-83).