Relationship Dysfunction in Couples When One Partner Is Diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder: Findings from...

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Psychiatry
• Endocrinology

Background:

• Relationship dysfunction is a core feature of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD).
• Few studies have examined BPD couples as dyads, focusing on partner-related factors.
• Understanding these factors is crucial for effective BPD treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate hormonal, personality, and relationship factors in couples where one partner has BPD.
• To explore attachment, trauma, and relationship satisfaction within these dyads.
• To compare these factors with healthy control couples.

Main Methods:

• Studied 26 heterosexual couples (one partner with BPD).
• Assessed personality (Neo-Five-Factor-Inventory), childhood trauma (Childhood Trauma Questionnaire), and attachment (Experiences in Close Relationships Scale).
• Measured relationship satisfaction, dyadic coping, and salivary cortisol/testosterone levels.

Main Results:

• Females with BPD showed higher childhood maltreatment, neuroticism, and dysfunctional attachment, with lower relationship satisfaction.
• Male partners of women with BPD had lower testosterone, higher maltreatment, neuroticism, and dysfunctional attachment.
• Childhood trauma, neuroticism, and dysfunctional attachment positively correlated with relationship problems.

Conclusions:

• Childhood trauma, neuroticism, and insecure attachment contribute to relationship disruptions in BPD couples.
• Hormonal and psychosocial factors in both partners are relevant for treating females with BPD.
• Dyadic assessment is vital for understanding and managing relationship issues in BPD.