Mentalization as a Moderator Between Borderline Personality Disorder and Teen Dating Violence

• In Event: Posters I

Abstract

Objective: Individuals with borderline personality disorder (BPD) are at an increased risk for perpetrating violence against an intimate partner. With new research suggesting the role of social cognition in the relationship dysfunction prevalent in BPD and the increasing evidence for mentalization-based treatment, mentalization abilities may also play a role in the relationship between BPD and partner violence. The present study examined the moderating effects of mentalization abilities in the relationship between BPD and teen dating violence (TDV). Method: An inpatient sample of 246 adolescents completed a self-report measure of TDV, a semi-structured clinical interview for BPD, and a computer-based experimental assessment of social cognition to measure mentalization abilities. Results: Results demonstrated that more accurate mentalizing of cold emotions places a female adolescent with BPD at an increased risk for TDV perpetration; while more accurate mentalizing of warm emotions decreases the risk for TDV perpetration among male adolescents with BPD. Conclusions: Investigation of social cognition abilities within the context of violent relationships may provide some insight into potential avenues for prevention, treatment, and future research on risk factors for TDV.

Author

• Jessica Klement Davis, University of Houston