Investigating gender-based differential item functioning on the McLean Screening Instrument for Borderline...

Area of Science:

• Psychological Assessment
• Psychiatry
• Gender Studies

Background:

• Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is diagnosed more frequently in women.
• The McLean Screening Instrument for Borderline Personality Disorder (MSI-BPD) is a common screening tool.
• Potential gender-based differences in MSI-BPD performance require investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate differential item functioning (DIF) in the MSI-BPD across gender identities.
• To determine if specific MSI-BPD items function differently for men and women.
• To assess the impact of gender on the identification of BPD using the MSI-BPD.

Main Methods:

• Item Response Theory (IRT) analysis was employed.
• Data from 22,035 college undergraduates (14,305 women) using the MSI-BPD were analyzed.
• A two-parameter IRT model was fitted to assess DIF in MSI-BPD items.

Main Results:

• Five MSI-BPD items demonstrated differential item functioning (DIF): self-harm/suicidality, affective lability, abandonment, impulsivity, and anger.
• Women were more likely to endorse items related to self-harm/suicidality, affective lability, and abandonment at equivalent BPD levels.
• Gender differences in endorsing impulsivity and anger were dependent on BPD severity levels, with small effect sizes.

Conclusions:

• While some MSI-BPD items show DIF related to gender, the overall impact on screening outcomes is likely minimal.
• The findings suggest that the MSI-BPD may function slightly differently across genders, particularly concerning specific BPD symptoms.
• Further research may refine screening tools to ensure equitable performance across diverse gender identities.