Factors Influencing Romantic Commitment in Individuals with Borderline Personality Disorder
Attrayee Ganguly, Munivenkatappa ManjulaAbstract
Background:
Borderline personality disorder (BPD) presents with unstable interpersonal relationships. Research evidence is scarce on romantic relational dynamics in this population. The current study aims to explore romantic commitment in individuals with BPD concerning perfectionism, epistemic trust (ET), and interpersonal reactivity.
Method:
This single-group quantitative study was a part of a broader mixed-method design. Out of 42 participants recruited, 2 were excluded due to the screening criteria. The final sample consisted of 40 participants (males = 8 and females = 32) diagnosed with BPD, recruited from a tertiary care center. Tools used were Maclean BPD Screener, Commitment subscale of Investment Model Scale, Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale, ET subscale of Epistemic Mistrust and Credulity questionnaire, and Interpersonal Reactivity. Descriptive statistics along with the Shapiro–Wilk test, Spearman’s rank correlation test, and multiple regression were utilized for analyzing the data.
Results:
Gender differences were noted in BPD symptom severity, perfectionism, ET, and empathy. Female participants scored high in self-oriented and socially prescribed perfectionism, whereas males displayed higher ET. A positive relationship was established between the commitment scale’s attachment domain and current relationship status. No significant associations present between romantic commitment and perfectionism, ET, and empathy. However, BPD symptoms correlated positively with fantasy and personal distress subdomains of empathy.
Conclusion:
Overall, it suggests gender-specific pattern in BPD symptom presentation, highlighting the need for further research in interpersonal domains, particularly romantic relationships.