Modeling Borderline Personality Disorder Based on the Neurobehavioral Foundation of Major Personality Traits

Abstract

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is an exceedingly complex behavioral phenomenon that is in need of conceptual clarification within a larger model of personality disorders (PDs). The association of personality traits to BPD is discussed initially as a means of introducing a dimensional personality approach to understanding BPD. While this model suggests that PDs emerge at the extremes of personality dimensions, attempts to demonstrate such an association have been empirically disappointing and conceptually unilluminating. Therefore, in this article, we attempt to extend such models by outlining the neurobehavioral systems that underlie major personality traits, and highlight the evidence that they are subject to experience-dependent modification that can be enduring through effects on genetic expression, mainly through processes known as epigenetics. It is through such processes that risk for personality disorder may be modified by experience at any point in development, but perhaps especially during early critical periods of development. We conclude by presenting a multidimensional model of PDs, in general, and BPD, in particular, that relies on the concepts developed earlier in the article. Our goal is to provide a guide for novel clinical conceptualization and assessment of PDs, as well as research on their psychobiological nature and pharmacological treatment.

Relative effects of Big Five traits and mindset on malignant self-regard.

“…Indeed, this is consistent with conceptual understanding of MSR as a factor that underlies personality pathology in general and vulnerable PDs in particular (Huprich, 2014). This finding is also consistent with psychodynamic thought from Freud (1900, 1926, 1933) to more contemporary psychodynamic thinkers (e.g., Brenner, 1982; Depue & Fu, 2012; Fenichel, 1945; Shapiro, 1965), thus bridging that gap from both directions. The influence of Extraversion, although smaller than that of Neuroticism, highlights both the anhedonia and interpersonal withdrawal that is characteristic of MSR—those with high levels of MSR thus may not only have an excess of aversive emotional experience but also an absence of positive emotional (and interpersonal) experience.…”

“…The predominant model in basic personality science is the Big Five model of personality, which consists of five basic personality traits (Agreeableness, Conscientiousness, Extraversion, Neuroticism, and Openness) that have been observed across culture and language (John et al, 2008). Although the Big Five traits were originally derived on the basis of the analysis of language (John et al, 2008; Saucier & Goldberg, 1996), these traits also have substantial roots in psychodynamic thought (Depue & Fu, 2012; McCrae & Costa, 1996; Wiggins & Trapnell, 1996; Yalch, 2020). Additionally, research suggests that Big Five traits bear robust associations with PD diagnoses linked with MSR (Samuel & Widiger, 2008) as well as with MSR itself (Huprich & Nelson, 2014; Huprich et al, 2018a, 2018b).…”