Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 5, 2025

Use of a Psychophysiological Script-driven Imagery Experiment to Study Trauma-related Dissociation in Borderline Personality Disorder
Published on: March 8, 2018
Conceptual development and case data for a modular, personality-based treatment for borderline personality disorder
Shannon Sauer-Zavala1, Matthew W Southward1, Caitlyn O Hood1
1Department of Psychology, University of Kentucky.
Abstract:
Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a heterogenous condition, and variations in its presentation may be accounted for by individual differences in personality dimensions. Extant treatments for BPD are long term and intensive; it is possible that prioritizing the personality-based difficulties that underlie an individual's symptoms may improve the efficiency of care. This article describes the conceptual background for the development of a novel, personality-based intervention for BPD (BPD Compass), which was informed by recent research on personality mechanisms maintainin this condition, and was designed to address gaps left by existing treatments and to be maximally efficient and disseminable. BPD Compass is a comprehensive, short-term package with a fully modular design that allows for personalization (e.g., all skills can be presented in isolation or in any order based on pretreatment assessment). We discuss the theoretical background for its development, an overview of the skills included in the treatment, as well as preliminary efficacy data. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).
Related Concept Videos
Borderline Personality Disorder
Genetic and Environmental Contributions
Borderline Personality...
Modeling in Therapy
Participant Modeling
Participant modeling involves therapists demonstrating calm and effective behaviors in...
Theoretical Approaches to Psychological Disorder
Biological approach
The biological approach posits that internal, organic factors are the primary causes of such disorders. This perspective emphasizes brain structure and function, genetic predispositions, and neurotransmitter imbalances. For example, schizophrenia has been associated with both genetic...
Introduction to Personality Psychology
Early Theories of Personality
The study of...
Personality Disorders: Paranoid and Schizoid
Paranoid Personality Disorder
Paranoid personality disorder is...
Personality Disorders: Dependent and Obsessive-Compulsive
Dependent Personality Disorder
Dependent personality disorder is characterized by an excessive reliance on others to manage various aspects of life. Individuals with this disorder often struggle...

