Objective: To study the relationship between Internalizing and Externalizing behavioral problems among patients with Borderline Personality Disorder and to investigae the mediating role of adaptive family functioning.
Methodology: This cross sectional study was carried out at National Institute of Psychology, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad from August 17, 2015 to June 10, 2017. Using convenience sampling, 408 individuals seeking treatment in government hospitals of Rawalpindi, Islamabad and Lahore were approached. After the initial analysis, 183 met the criteria for Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD).
Results: Both internalizing and externalizing behavioral problems were positively related to BPD. Adaptive family functioning was found to be negatively related with internalizing, externalizing and BPD. Moreover, 55.1% with BPD reported of committing suicide. Mediational Analysis indicated that adaptive family functioning mediates the relationship between internalizing behavioral problems and BPD while controlling the effect of externalizing behavioral problems. It accounted for an additional 2% variance.
Conclusion: Our study highlights the role of family functioning in relationship between Internalizing behavioral problems and BPD. Special consideration needs to be given to assess the risk of committing suicide. Further family focused interventions can be designed for dealing effectively with individuals having borderline personality disorder.
Key words: Borderline Personality Disorder, Suicide, Externalizing behavioral problems, internalizing behavioral problems, Adaptive Family Functioning
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