Emotional Responsiveness in Borderline Personality Disorder: A Review of Self-Report and Physiological Measures.

Abstract

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a mental disorder characterized by emotional dysregulation, impulsivity, and interpersonal problems, has historically been conceptualized by generalized heightened intensity and reactivity. However, findings regarding emotional responsiveness in adults with BPD are mixed. The current review aimed to critically assess and compare self-report and physiological research of emotional responsiveness in adults with BPD by electronic searching of relevant databases, with 6 articles meeting inclusion criteria. Specifically, results from self-report and physiological measures are compared in an attempt to synthesize similarities and differences. The results suggest a negativity bias in BPD, indicating that BPD patients exhibit heightened negative emotional reactivity, particularly in response to BPD-specific emotional stimuli. Additionally, limitations of individual studies and of the current review are discussed, with potential directions for future research.