Repetitive negative thoughts and thought control strategies within borderline personality disorder: A systematic review

Abstract

Recent research has acknowledged the role of cognitive processes, such as repetitive negative thinking, in the development and maintenance of BPD symptoms. The identification of cognitive processes contributing to BPD symptoms can significantly improve the treatment and conceptualization of this disorder. Despite the promising clinical utility in treating cognitive processes underlying BPD symptoms, there continues to be a lack of research examining the role of specific types of repetitive negative thoughts within BPD. The purpose of this review is to summarize previous research related to repetitive negative thoughts and strategies for coping with negative thoughts in relation to BPD to advance research in cognitive dysregulation. A literature review consistent with PRISMA guidelines was conducted to identify peer-reviewed research on repetitive negative thoughts, thought control strategies, and borderline personality disorder. Articles (N = 69) were summarized and included within the review. While recent research has identified repetitive negative thoughts as contributing to the presence of emotional and behavioral dysregulation within BPD, additional research is needed to examine how various types of thinking styles and ways of controlling thoughts interact with emotional and behavioral components of BPD.

Keywords

• Borderline personality disorder
• Repetitive negative thinking
• Thought control strategies, cognitive dysregulation
• Emotion dysregulation
• Maladaptive behaviors