The Core Conflictual Relationship Themes (CCRT) in borderline personality disorder

This study aimed to determine if the diagnosis of borderline personality disorder (BPD) is associated with specific narrative descriptions of interpersonal functioning. Narratives of relationship episodes were scored using the Core Conflictual Relationship Theme (CCRT) standard categories. The scores of 68 participants with BPD were compared to those of 139 participants with other personality disorders. Results on the CCRT standard categories showed that patients with BPD had more wishes to be distant and to be like others, and more wishes to be hurt and to hurt others; others were seen as controlling and bad; and patients with BPD were less open, helpful and self-confident than those without BPD. These findings are discussed in reference to previous studies on the interpersonal functioning of patients with BPD. How these findings may inform research on the effectiveness of treatment for BPD remains to be considered.