A Rorschach exploration of the DSM-IV Borderline Personality Disorder.
Rorschach data has been useful in identifying the DSM Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) and has potential for improving our understanding of this disorder. Recently, the DSM-IV BPD has been shown to be composed of 3 primary or core factors: Factor I-unstable self-other images. Factor II-deficits in affect and thought modulation, and Factor III-impulsive self-damaging actions. In a sample of outpatients with personality disorders. we explored the relationships among 6 psychoanalytically derived Rorschach scales (primitive aggression, oral dependency, self-other differentiation, splitting, devaluation, and projective identification), and the core BPD features. Significant correlations were found between 5 of the Rorschach variables and BPD total scores. Correlations between these 5 variables and the BPD core features showed that oral dependency needs were negatively associated with all 3 BPD core features, whereas the defenses of devaluation and splitting were positively associated with these core features. The clinical implications of these findings are reviewed.
Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston 02114, USA.
M A
MA
Blais
M J
MJ
Hilsenroth
J C
JC
Fowler
C A
CA
Conboy
D000328:Adult; D001883:Borderline Personality Disorder / Q000145:classification / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D012392:Rorschach Test; D012649:Self Concept