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Autobiographical memory and parasuicide in borderline personality disorder
1School of Psychology, University of Wales, Bangor, Gwynedd LL57 2DG, UK. m.j.startup@bangor.ac.uk
The British Journal of Clinical Psychology
|July 12, 2001
Summary
Over-general autobiographical memory recall may protect individuals with borderline personality disorder (BPD) from parasuicidal acts. This study found that greater over-general recall was associated with fewer parasuicidal acts in BPD patients.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Clinical Psychology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Previous research indicates parasuicidal patients exhibit difficulties recalling specific autobiographical memories.
- Some studies suggest over-general autobiographical memory recall is a risk factor for parasuicide repetition.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between over-general autobiographical memory recall and parasuicidal behavior in patients with borderline personality disorder (BPD).
Main Methods:
- Twenty-three BPD patients completed the Autobiographical Memory Test (AMT).
- Participants also completed self-report measures for depression, anxiety, and trait anger.
- Frequency of parasuicidal acts in the preceding 4 months was assessed via structured interview.
Main Results:
- Over-general autobiographical recall significantly predicted parasuicidal acts, with a negative partial correlation indicating fewer acts with greater over-general recall.
- Anxiety and depression independently predicted parasuicidal acts.
- Trait anger did not significantly predict parasuicidal acts.
Conclusions:
- Over-general autobiographical recall may serve a protective function for individuals with BPD, potentially by helping them avoid distressing memories.
- Anxiety and depression are significant factors associated with parasuicidal behavior in BPD.
- The findings suggest a nuanced relationship between memory recall and self-harm behaviors in BPD.