BPD traits, implicit theories and emotion regulation strategies
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Borderline Personality traits and emotion regulation strategies in adolescents: The role of implicit theories
IRAS ID
236830
Contact name
Jane McLachlan
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Liverpool
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 0 days
Research summary
Implicit theories are beliefs about the innate malleability of certain traits or abilities. Originally studied in an educational context with intelligence, recent research has applied it to emotions. If a person believes that emotions are fixed (entity theory), initial findings suggest they use more unhelpful emotion regulation strategies such as dwelling on negative things and self-blame, and subsequently experience lower levels of well-being. If a person believes that emotions are changeable (incremental theory) they tend to use more helpful emotion regulation strategies, such as reappraisal of negative thoughts, leading to better wellbeing. Difficulties in regulating emotion are found in borderline personality as well as other mental health difficulties.
This research explores whether there is a link between implicit theories of emotion, borderline personality traits and type of emotion regulation strategies used. One hypothesis is that entity theorists will be linked to higher borderline personality traits, and may use less helpful emotion regulation strategies. When information is given to participants about the changeability of emotions, it is predicted that change in implicit theory will be linked to change in emotion regulation strategies. It is also hypothesised that entity theorists will be less motivated to engage in psychological therapies, as they do not believe changing emotion is within their control.
Adolescents in inpatient services in the North West will be approached to join the study. Participants will be excluded if they have a learning disability, current episode of psychosis or are under section. Appropriate participants will be identified by staff and asked if they would like to take part. After giving consent, participants will be asked to complete five questionnaires before playing a short virtual reality game. Before playing, they will be given information regarding the changeability of emotions. Participants will be asked to return 1-2 weeks later to repeat the questionnaires.REC name
North West - Liverpool Central Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
18/NW/0034
Date of REC Opinion
6 Feb 2018
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion