Schema Modes and Dissociation in Borderline Personality Disorder/Traits in Adolescents and Young Adults

This study aimed to identify the schema modes present in adolescents/youth with borderline personality disorder (BPD), and assess the relationship between schema modes and dissociation. Recruitment of 42 BPD patients from Monash Health enabled comparison with 42 non-patients, who were recruited from the community. Patients with BPD scored significantly higher than non-patients in all maladaptive modes except narcissistic modes (bully/attack and self-aggrandizer modes). Step-wise regression showed that the detached protector and impulsive child modes made a significant contribution to dissociation, explaining 58 percent of the variance in dissociation. These modes are worthwhile therapeutic targets.