Impulsivity, Defensive Functioning, and Borderline Personality Disorder

Objective: To replicate previous research suggesting that impulsivity highly predicts current DIB(R) score and social functioning, with the additional inclusion of other measures, including defensive functioning. Method: Correlational analyses between impulsivity and other measures, and regression analyses with DIB(R) and SAS-SR as outcome measures, and impulsivity and other measures as predictor variables, were performed on data derived from n = 57 initially borderline personality disorder (BPD) subjects recruited as part of a 7-year follow-up study of BPD. Results: Data showed strong correlations between the elements of impulsivity described previously and defensive functioning. The initial study results were repeated, and only a minor contribution from defensive functioning additionally contributed to the regression models. No other variables entered the model, unless anger was dropped from the variables entered into the analysis. Conclusions: The results may contribute to a better definition of the term “impulsivity” as related to BPD, and may lead to further, improved research into the cause, treatment, and prognosis of BPD.

Impulsivity, Defensive Functioning, and Borderline Personality Disorder Journal Articles