An experimental investigation of emotional reactivity in aversive situations, and delayed emotional recovery, in patients with borderline personality disorder

Emotional disorders are at the base of the borderline personality disorder [BPD]. The present study was an attempt to investigate reactive negative emotions provoked against aversive situations and the delayed emotional recovery in patients with BPD. It was a quasi-experimental study with pretest-posttest design. The population of the study included all the patients with BPD visiting psychiatric offices and counseling centers in Sanandaj in 2011. Participant selection was done using purposive sampling. 30 patients with BPD accepted to take part in the study. They were assessed using MCMI-III and emotional state questionnaire to prepare a baseline for later evaluations of their emotional state. Then, they underwent the experimental factor (Emotional Reaction to Failure, which prepares an aversive situation). Their emotional state was assessed twice during the experiment and once after with a 90 minutes delay in order to determine their delayed emotional recovery. The results were compared with their fallow, non-patient group. The results showed significant differences between the two groups. Depressive feelings remained high in the BPD group during the delayed emotional recovery. The BPD group had a higher negative emotionality against the aversive situation and depressive feelings showed a longer delay in recovery. These results support the close relationship between BPD and mood disorders.