[An exploration of family functioning where one parent has Borderline Personality Disorder]

Introduction Being diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) as a parent can undermine the overall functioning of the family, particularly the exercise of parental and marital roles. However, current knowledge about the general functioning of families in which a parent has such a diagnosis remains fragmented. It is therefore essential to better understand this reality in order to equip health and social service professionals who support these individuals and their families. Objectives The main objective of this study was to describe how each member of the parental couple with at least one minor child perceives family functioning when one partner has BPD. The specific objective was to identify the components of family functioning that pose the greatest challenges for individuals with BPD and their partners. Method A descriptive interpretative design was used for this study. Maximum variation purposive sampling led to the recruitment of four couples (n=8). Results The participants mostly formed blended families, in union for several years, and reported a certain marital stability. Thematic analysis revealed four main findings on the functioning of families where a parent has BPD. Couples tended to form quickly, viewed the partner's role as that of a therapist, adopted stereotypical roles, and implemented various strategies to prevent crises in family functioning. These strategies appear protective for the couples encountered who consider themselves to have generally satisfactory family functioning. Conclusion This exploratory study gave a voice to individuals with BPD who expressed a generally positive view of their family and couple. In this context, several facilitators emerged that helped maintain the couple's stability, protect relationships, and manage BPD symptoms. However, this mode of functioning leads to an overinvestment in family and household responsibilities.