The Association Between Emotional Intelligence and Borderline Personality Disorder: A Meta-Analysis

This meta-analysis synthesised findings on the association between emotional intelligence (EI) and borderline personality disorder (BPD) and evaluated potential moderators. Studies were sourced through systematic searches of four databases in April 2024. Studies had to report effect size data and participant numbers to be included in the meta-analysis. The meta-analysis included 25 samples and 7189 participants. A random effects model was used to calculate the overall effect size because this model allows inferences to studies not included in the analysis. Potential causes of heterogeneity were investigated through moderator analyses. Results showed that low EI was significantly associated with BPD (r = -0.41, p < 0.001, 95% CI [-0.51, -0.30]). Studies using diagnostic interviews had significantly higher effect sizes than those using self-report scales. BPD was significantly associated with EI, whether EI was measured as an ability or as a trait, and whether BPD was assessed by diagnostic interview or self-report. The main findings suggest that (1) individuals with BPD tend to have low EI, which typically involves difficulty perceiving, using, understanding and regulating emotions and (2) interventions that enhance EI are worth testing to evaluate whether they benefit individuals with BPD. This finding could help guide BPD interventions.