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Updated: Feb 23, 2026

Use of a Psychophysiological Script-driven Imagery Experiment to Study Trauma-related Dissociation in Borderline Personality Disorder
Published on: March 8, 2018
What helps in self-help? A qualitative exploration of interactions within a borderline personality disorder self-help
Briony Bond1,2, John Wright1, Alison Bacon2
1Psychotherapy Department, Livewell Southwest, Plymouth, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and.
Abstract:
Background: Self-help groups can have a large impact on individuals well-being and could reduce costs for healthcare services. Previous research supports the effectiveness of self-help groups, but explanations for this are lacking. Identifying the active ingredients which encourage positive change could inform effectiveness of these groups producing the best outcomes for members.Aim: This research investigated how members and facilitators of a borderline personality disorder self-help group (BPD SHG)interacted and made sense of their experiences in group meetings, to determine what aspects of interaction were helpful.Method: Naturalistic data was collected from 10 participants via audio recording and analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis.Results: Three emergent themes are discussed: humour, praise and experiential knowledge.Conclusion: These are suggested to be active ingredients which are critical for the effectiveness of this BPD SHG, with particular focus on the facilitator's contribution.
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