Assessing family relations in borderline personality disorder: A relational approach

Abstract

Borderline personality disorder; Marital relation; Parental bonding

Trastorno límite de la personalidad; Relación matrimonial; Vínculo parental

Trastorn límit de la personalitat; Relació matrimonial; Vincle parental

The aims of the current study are to describe the basic family relationships, parental bonding patterns, and dyadic adjustment of families with offspring diagnosed with borderline personality disorder (BPD) and to explore the correlations between these variables related to family relations and BPD symptomatology. The sample consisted of 194 participants, including parents from the control (N = 76) and clinical group (N = 76), and patients with BPD (N = 42). All progenitors completed a measure of family relations, parental bonding, and dyadic adjustment. Patients completed a measure of parental bonding and borderline symptomatology. The results showed significant differences between both groups in marital and parental functioning, marital satisfaction, dyadic adjustment, and care. Correlations among family variables and BPD symptomatology were also found. In summary, findings underscore the significance of comprehending the complexity of family relationships in BPD while advocating for a relational perspective when examining the family dynamics.

The authors would like to thank the State Research Agency of the Government of Spain for the aid to R + D + i projects with reference number PSI 2017-83146-R. The study is being carried out as part of a project financed by the State Research Agency of the Government of Spain for the aid to R + D + i projects with reference number PSI 2017-83146-R.