Understanding Borderline Personality Disorder Through an Attachment and Trauma-Informed Lens

Abstract

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is currently classified as a psychiatric diagnosis characterized by various challenges, including difficulties in emotional regulation, interpersonal relationships, and self-regulation. BPD remains controversial and poorly understood. As such, I propose that a more comprehensive understanding in the complex mechanisms that underlie BPD configurations is urgently needed to reduce its stigma and for more effective prevention and intervention. This capstone project intends to better understand BPD through the intersecting relationships between its configurations and attachment, trauma, and Autonomic Nervous System functioning. The aim of the literature review is to challenge the traditional framework that locates the problems within the individual diagnosed with BPD and pathologizes their presentations as indicative of an intrinsic, inherent defect. Through a lens that is informed by attachment and trauma, I present research that would serve to destigmatize and depathologize BPD and propose recommendations for service providers working with individuals with this diagnosis.