Exploring Compassion in BPD
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Studying the Relationship between Challenging Social Experiences and Engagement in Compassionate Acts among Individuals with Borderline Personality Disorder
IRAS ID
343478
Contact name
Catrin Street-Mattox
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Birmingham
Duration of Study in the UK
3 years, 2 months, 30 days
Research summary
This research project investigates how challenging social experiences affect the capacity of young adults with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) to engage in compassionate acts. Compassion, defined as understanding and alleviating another person's distress, has proven benefits for mental health and overall well-being (APA, 2015; Andersson et al., 2022; Jordan et al., 2022a; 2022b). However, individuals with BPD often encounter barriers such as stigma, social exclusion, disparities in healthcare, mindfulness challenges, and emotional abuse, which may hinder their participation in compassionate acts and limit opportunities for improved recovery and outcomes.
BPD affects 1%-2.5% of the UK population and is characterized by intense emotions, impulsive behavior, and a distorted self-image, typically diagnosed between ages 18 and 35 (APA, 2022; McManus et al., 2016). Individuals with BPD frequently experience heightened stigma, leading to social exclusion, internalized negative attitudes, and disconnection from their communities (Klein et al., 2022; Rethink, 2021). Stigma manifests in various forms, including social, structural, and institutional (Link & Phelan, 2001), exacerbating barriers to compassionate engagement and further isolating those with BPD (Dubreucq et al., 2021; Banjeree & Hammond, 2022; Sandstrom & Boothby, 2021).
This project employs a mixed methods approach, combining qualitative life narrative interviews and quantitative questionnaires. The qualitative component explores the lived experiences of individuals with BPD, investigating the impact of stigma and other challenging social experiences on their ability to engage in compassionate acts. The quantitative component assesses how these experiences predict engagement in compassionate acts through validated questionnaires and statistical analyses.
The project aims to provide insights into the barriers faced by individuals with BPD in engaging in compassionate acts, particularly due to stigma. It seeks to understand the interplay between BPD, social experiences, and compassion, filling a critical gap in the literature. Ultimately, the findings aim to inform the development of targeted interventions, support services, and training materials to address stigma-related challenges, promote engagement in compassionate acts, and enhance mental health outcomes for individuals with BPD. By promoting social inclusion and reducing stigma, this research contributes to improved mental health services, policies, and interventions (Erikson, 1950; Flett, 2018; Colizzi et al., 2020; Jordan et al., 2022a; 2022b).
REC name
North East - Newcastle & North Tyneside 2 Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
24/NE/0173
Date of REC Opinion
18 Sep 2024
REC opinion
Unfavourable Opinion