Winsper, Catherine (2012) The developmental precursors of borderline personality disorder symptoms at 11 years in a British cohort. PhD thesis, University of Warwick.

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Abstract

Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is a severe and chronic mental health
disorder, affecting many areas of functioning including: affect regulation,
impulse control, interpersonal relationships and self-image. Causal factors are
only partly known due to a scarcity of prospective, longitudinal studies which
enable one to delineate the time ordering of antecedents, and allow for tentative
causal inferences. This thesis explored the developmental precursors of BPD
symptoms at 11 years, using a British cohort sample, with assessments
pertaining to the study child from pregnancy to 11 years of age.
Three studies were conducted. Firstly, the predictive relationship between
exposure to maladaptive parenting and subsequent BPD symptoms was explored
within a child population, using a clinically relevant assessment of BPD
symptoms. This association has been previously shown in a range of
retrospective studies. Secondly, the role of peer victimisation in the development
of BPD was considered. This study was designed to extend current aetiological
models, which focus on parental rather than peer relationships. It was based on
the recognition of a strong interpersonal core in the BPD symptom constellation,
and the role of trauma experiences in the development of BPD. Finally, the third
study was designed to consider how these two experiential factors (maladaptive
parenting and peer victimisation) might magnify a predisposition towards
dysregulation, eventually culminating in BPD symptoms.

Data was obtained from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children
(ALSPAC), which studied 6,050 children (43.1% of the total sample population),
using questionnaire and interview assessments.
Results revealed that, firstly, family adversity during pregnancy and suboptimal
parenting, during early to middle childhood was predictive of BPD symptoms at
11 years. Secondly, peer victimisation during early to late childhood was
predictive of BPD symptoms at 11 years. There was an especially strong dose
response effect for severe, combined or chronic victimisation. Finally, those
evincing stable dysregulated trait behaviour from 4 to 8 years were more likely
to develop BPD symptoms, and this effect was especially strong for high levels of
dysregulation. Consistent with the biosocial developmental model of BPD, the
association was fully mediated by psychosocial risk factors (peer victimisation).
Those with high levels of dysregulation were more likely to be victimised and, in
turn, develop BPD symptoms. Further, the indirect associations were
significantly stronger for BPD, compared to psychotic or depression outcomes.
The strengths and weaknesses, along with practical and theoretical implications,
and future directions are discussed in the final chapter.

Item Type:	Thesis or Dissertation (PhD)
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology R Medicine > RJ Pediatrics
Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH):	Borderline personality disorder in children -- Etiology, Parenting -- Psychological aspects, Bullying -- Psychological aspects
Official Date:	January 2012
Dates:	Date Event January 2012 Submitted
Institution:	University of Warwick
Theses Department:	Department of Psychology
Thesis Type:	PhD
Publication Status:	Unpublished
Supervisor(s)/Advisor:	Wolke, Dieter
Sponsors:	University of Warwick
Extent:	xi, 260 leaves
Language:	eng

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