TRANSGENERATIONAL TRANSMISSION OF BORDERLINE PERSONALITY TRAITS: A QUALITATIVE ANALYSIS OF PATIENTS’ NARRATIVES

Abstract

Objectives: This paper explores the transgenerational transmission of borderline personality traits from grandmothers to granddaughters. The study also examines the importance of early life challenges and family environment in shaping women’s coping strategies and maintaining borderline personality traits across generations.

Methodology: This qualitative descriptive phenomenological study was conducted in Lahore, Pakistan. A sample of 15 borderline women who were the first children in their families were interviewed. A thematic analysis of these 15 semi-structured interviews revealed five main themes and related sub-themes.

Results: Findings focus on the role of heredity and family dynamics (such as the availability of family support and the impact of family crises) in the expression of borderline personality traits across generations. A family environment characterized by emotional neglect, inconsistent parenting, abuse, or trauma may perpetuate borderline personality in the family system. The study discusses how childhood adversity and early life challenges contribute to the risk of developing borderline personality disorder. Children, particularly first-born daughters, of mothers with borderline personality may adopt maladaptive coping mechanisms and struggle to form healthy attachments, perpetuating emotional dysregulation and relationship instability in families.

Conclusion: The present study will help us gain deeper insights into the transgenerational aspects of borderline personality disorder while examining the role of family environment and early life experiences in maintaining borderline traits across generations.