Although borderline personality is characterized by a variety of interpersonal
antecedents and consequences, interpersonal theory has yet to develop an adequate model
of the disorder. It was hypothesized that considerations of non-interpersonal features that
influence interpersonal behavior can inform the description of the interpersonal process
associated with borderline personality. Specifically, it was proposed that borderline
personality is not adequately conceptualized as characterized by rigid and extreme traits.
Instead identity diffusion, or under-developed personality organization, characterizes the
disorder, as do notable problems with perception and behavioral impulsivity. Three
samples of dyads interacting in a collaborative task were compared using structural
equation models of their traits and situational behavior from the perspectives of multiple
raters. Two samples included dyads without a borderline interactant and one dyad had
one person with and another without borderline personality features. It was hypothesized
that dyads including borderline participants would manifest behavior that deviates from
normative interpersonal processes.
Results were consistent with hypotheses in suggesting that dyads without an
individual who has borderline characteristics demonstrate very similar interpersonal
patterns, whereas dyads with a borderline interactant deviate from normative
interpersonal process. Specifically, borderline individuals appear to be hyper-perceptive
of others’ efforts to control (dominate or submit to) them. With regard to affiliation
(warmth vs. coldness), borderline individuals appear to have very different perceptions of
their own interpersonal style than do individuals who know them, and unlike nonborderline
individuals, these styles exert minimal influence on their behavior in
interpersonal situations. These results suggest practical implications that vary across interpersonal dimensions. Data imply that clinicians should take seriously suggestions by
borderline patients that they feel controlled. With regard to affiliation, data are consistent
with the theory of identity diffusion in suggesting that borderline personality features are
associated with a lack of stable interpersonal traits that influence behavior across
situations, and the development of such a style is an important therapeutic target.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:tamu.edu/oai:repository.tamu.edu:1969.1/ETD-TAMU-3054 |
| Date | 15 May 2009 |
| Creators | Hopwood, Christopher James |
| Contributors | Morey, Leslie C. |
| Source Sets | Texas A and M University |
| Language | en_US |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Book, Thesis, Electronic Dissertation, text |
| Format | electronic, application/pdf, born digital |
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