A network model of borderline personality traits, aggression, and self-harm

Abstract

Background: Cluster B personality disorders (PDs), which include borderline, antisocial, histrionic, and narcissistic PD, are characterized by impulsivity, emotionality, and dramatic behavior. Cluster B PDs are therefore associated with increased aggression, suicidal behavior, and non-suicidal self-injury. However, estimates of the associations between PD dimensions and these behaviors can potentially differ for men and women. Method: A network analysis was used to examine relations between Cluster B PD dimensions, gender, and self-harm and aggressive behavior. In the current study, a community sample of 197 individuals (98 women) completed a self-report measure of PD dimensions and measures of aggression and self-harm. Results: Results indicated that borderline personality disorder (BPD) traits play a central role in the nexus between Cluster B symptoms and self-injurious behavior and aggression towards others. Gender was not related to any nodes in the model. Network estimates suggest stable associations between variables. Limitations: Limitations worth noting are the exclusion of individuals with a past year suicide attempt to minimize risk associated with alcohol administration, as well as the individuals who self-select into an alcohol administration study. Conclusions: Given the overlap and comorbidity among Cluster B PDs, there results support the notion that that BPD plays a unique role in the expression of aggression, as well as self-harm.

Keywords

• Cluster B
• Personality disorders
• Self-harm
• Aggression
• Network analysis