Towards understanding the direct and indirect effects of borderline personality features on identity disturbance

Abstract

Abstract Research on borderline personality disorder (BPD) in clinical populations is extensive, and its impact on nonclinical populations is developing importance. The present study examined whether the presence of borderline personality features in nonclinical young adults is associated with identity disturbance, considering the potential mediating roles of anxiety and deliberate self‐harm (DSH). A total of 162 participants completed an online survey incorporating four measures: the Borderline Symptoms List‐23, Beck Anxiety Inventory, DSH Inventory, and the Self‐Concept and Identity Measure. A parallel indirect effects analysis indicated that the indirect effects of BPD features on identity disturbance via anxiety and DSH were not significant. However, BPD features remained a significant predictor of identity disturbance, even after controlling for the influence of anxiety and DSH factors (direct effect).

Keywords

• anxiety
• borderline personality
• deliberate self‐harm
• identity disturbance