Theoretical conceptualizations of symptomatology in patients with borderline personality disorder (BPD) have noted an inability to integrate contradictory perceptions (splitting, or dichotomous thinking) as a hallmark of the disorder. This study investigated contradictions manifest in the thinking and behavior of BPD patients, using the concept of paradox. A paradox occurs when an apparent contradiction contains an underlying logic which makes the contradiction comprehensible. Using qualitative methods of analysis, this study explored paradoxes evident in 10 BPD patient narratives about relationship events. Specific paradoxes relating to interpersonal conflicts and self-destructiveness are presented, along with the underlying logic of each paradox as described by patients. Implications for treatment are discussed.
The relationship between interpersonal distress and psychological health was investigated using a sample of 185 college undergraduates. Subjects completed the Inventory of Interpersonal Problems (a measure of interpersonal distress), the Personal Orientation Inventory (a measure of self-actualization), and the Miller Social Intimacy Scale (a measure of interpersonal closeness). The mean of scores on the Inventory of Interpersonal Problems was compared with the mean of the clinical sample reported in 1988 by Horowitz, et al. The measures of psychological health were correlated with the Inventory of Interpersonal Problems total and with the octant scales of the Inventory of Interpersonal Problems-Circumplex version. The measures were also projected onto the circumplex to summarize their interpersonal connotations.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.