Emotion Regulation and Dysregulation in Borderline Personality Disorder

A substantial body of empirical investigations have exhibited higher levels of negative emotions in borderline personality disorder (BPD) in comparison to nonclinical controls and other personality disorders. Difficulties in emotion regulation, inability to manage intense negative emotions, and behavioral instability are considered core features underlying BPD, and it has been emphasized that emotion dysregulation has a key role in the development of BPD and the severity of BPD symptoms. The most substantial core characteristics of BPD comprise emotional instability, remarkable reactivity of mood, intense anger with problems in the management of anger, and self-destructive behaviors which have been documented as the result of emotional issues. Emotion dysregulation has been shown a key role in the development, severity, and maintenance of BPD symptoms. Moreover, hyperintensity/reactivity, and poor regulation are considered two core characteristics of BPD, and it is emphasized that emotional vulnerability and emotional reactivity among individuals with BPD are considered as two core characteristics. Additionally, self-invalidation, stemming from the interaction between emotionally vulnerable patients and invalidating environments, has been shown common among BPD patients. Emotion dysregulation has been documented as core psychopathology in the etiology of BPD which caused several features of BPD, including nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI), suicidal thoughts and attempts, intense anger, mood fluctuations, impulsive behaviors, and highly emotional sensitivity and reactivity.