Body Image in Borderline Personality Disorder: A Systematic Review of the Emerging Empirical Literature

Abstract

As an element of distorted self-image, body image disturbances may be relevant to borderline personality disorder (BPD). Therefore, this systematic review aims to critically discuss and summarize empirical findings in this matter. Based on the available theoretical models, three body image components were identified: (a) perception, (b) affect and cognition, and (c) general body dissatisfaction. We conducted a systematic search of the empirical literature published in English in the MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and Scopus databases until June 2021 using a priori eligibility criteria (BPD; BPD symptoms or features in nonclinical groups; quasipsychotic or psychotic symptoms were not considered). We included k = 10 records meeting the criteria. Compared with other analyzed groups, individuals diagnosed with BPD obtained higher scores in the three components of body image disturbances. The issue of body image in BPD is relatively understudied, although current research findings clearly indicate disturbances in all of the abovementioned body image components in individuals with BPD or significant relationships of these components with BPD traits or symptoms both in clinical and nonclinical samples. Eventually, possible practical implications and future research directions are also discussed.

Keywords

• borderline personality disorder
• body image
• body perception
• body dissatisfaction