Investigation into the Relationships Between Childhood Trauma and Borderline Personality Disorder

Abstract

Both chapters of this doctoral thesis focus on investigating the relationships between experiences of childhood trauma and the development of Borderline Personality Disorder pathology.

The first chapter is a systematic review which aimed to identify, summarise, and critically evaluate research that examined potential psychological mediators of the association between childhood trauma and Borderline Personality Disorder. After conducting a thorough database search, seventeen papers were selected comprising a total of 7,804 participants. Due to the heterogeneity of identified mediators, a narrative integration approach to data synthesis was taken. The indirect effect of childhood trauma on Borderline Personality Disorder pathology via emotion dysregulation and insecure attachment styles was most frequently examined. Limitations of this systematic review and future research directions were discussed.

The second chapter is an empirical paper which aimed to explore the mediating effects of maladaptive schema modes and dissociation on the relationship between childhood trauma and Borderline Personality Disorder traits. A total of 344 young people aged between 16 and 25 years old completed online survey measures. Mediation analyses indicated a significant indirect effect of childhood trauma on Borderline Personality Disorder through maladaptive schema modes and through dissociation. These results provide preliminary evidence regarding the mechanisms which may underlie the association between childhood trauma and Borderline Personality Disorder.

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