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
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:netd.ac.za/oai:union.ndltd.org:wits/oai:wiredspace.wits.ac.za:10539/14677 |
| Date | 19 May 2014 |
| Creators | Levy, Janet Rochelle |
| Source Sets | South African National ETD Portal |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
| Format | application/pdf |
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