The Etiology of Borderline Personality Disorder

The Role of Attachment Styles and Childhood Trauma

Abstract

Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is a mental health disorder characterized by instability in interpersonal relationships, self-image, and emotions, significantly impacting individuals' social functioning. This paper explores the role of attachment styles in the etiology of BPD, highlighting how insecure attachment disrupts early childhood development and contributes to the disorder's emergence. Research indicates that a substantial percentage of individuals with BPD report histories of childhood trauma, particularly emotional abuse and neglect, which are manifestations of insecure attachment. These experiences foster maladaptive emotional regulation and relational difficulties, leading to BPD symptomatology. Attachment theory provides a framework for understanding how early disruptions in caregiver relationships foster emotional dysregulation and fears of abandonment. Key studies highlight the prevalence of insecure attachment styles, such as preoccupied and fearful attachments, in individuals with BPD, suggesting these insecurities mediate the relationship between childhood trauma and core BPD symptoms. This review synthesizes existing literature to illustrate the multifaceted etiology of BPD and emphasizes the importance of early relationships in psychological health. Recommendations for future research and clinical practice underscore the need for attachment-informed therapeutic strategies to address the psychological and emotional needs of those at risk for or diagnosed with BPD.