Relationships between borderline personality disorder features and client variables

Insights from variable- and person-centered analyses

Bibliographic Data

ID9405809
AuthorsSirvan Karimi (0000-0002-8952-9503, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, corresponding author), Abbas Masjedi Arani (0000-0003-2939-8115), Amir Sam Kianimoghadam (0000-0001-8686-523X, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences), Banafsheh Mohajerin (0000-0003-1765-2884, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences)
Year2025
Volume261
Pages105838-105838
Publication date2025-10-30
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueActa Psychologica (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0001-6918 • E-ISSN: 1873-6297
PublisherElsevier BV (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1016/j.actpsy.2025.105838
PMID41172845
OpenAlexW4415773128
LanguageEN
References cited63

Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is a complex and heterogeneous condition characterized by diverse patterns of emotional, interpersonal, behavioral, and identity-related dysfunctions. This study employed both variable-centered and person-centered approaches to examine the relationship between specific BPD domains and key pretreatment client characteristics. A total of 801 combined sample of university students (n = 513, Mean age = 25.30, SD = 6.74, 39.80 % male) and psychiatric outpatients (n = 288, Mean age = 34.96, SD = 8.92, 38.20 % male) completed the Five Factor Borderline Inventory-Short Form (FFBI-SF) alongside measures of defense mechanisms, insight, interpersonal problems, and attachment styles. Confirmatory factor analysis supported the a priori four-factor structure of the FFBI-SF which included Affective Dysregulation, Interpersonal Difficulties, Behavioral Dysregulation, and Identity Problems domains. Variable-centered analyses revealed that these domains showed distinct patterns of associations with client variables. Furthermore, latent profile analysis (LPA) identified five distinct profiles based on FFBI-SF domain scores, which showed clinically important differences in pretreatment client variables, including defense mechanisms, insight, interpersonal problems, and attachment patterns. Overall, findings highlight the importance of integrating variable- and person-centered approaches to understanding BPD as a multidimensional construct. Also, recognizing domain-specific patterns and subgroup differences can support the development of more individualized and clinically responsive interventions

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