Attachment, parental bonding and borderline personality disorder features in young adults

J Pers Disord. 2002 Apr;16(2):148-59. doi: 10.1521/pedi.16.2.148.22544.

Abstract

The relations between parental bonding and attachment constructs and borderline personality disorder features were examined in a sample of 393 18-year-old participants. Hierarchical regression analyses revealed that parental bonding and attachment scores (especially insecure attachment, anxious or ambivalent attachment, and a perception of a relative lack of caring from one's mother) were uniquely associated with borderline features beyond what could be accounted for by gender, childhood adversity experiences, Axis I disorder, and nonborderline Axis II symptoms. Although relatively modest, these relations suggest that bonding and attachment constructs might be considered in comprehensive etiological models of borderline personality disorder.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Borderline Personality Disorder / psychology*
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Missouri
  • Object Attachment*
  • Parent-Child Relations*
  • Regression Analysis