Investigating the Role of Negative Perfectionism in Predicting Borderline Personality Disorder Features: Towards the Interpersonal Dysphoria Model in a Non-Clinical Population

This study aimed to address the relationship between negative perfectionism and traits of borderline personality disorder in normal population based on the interpersonal dysphoria model. The research method was descriptive-correlation. The statistical population included all adults in Iran in the age range of 18-45 years old. The sample size consisted of 474 people, all chosen by Convenience Sampling. the questionnaires were designed online and distributed through virtual networks, due to Corona pandemic. The instruments consisted of Borderline Personality Scale, Positive and Negative Perfectionism, Pure Procrastination, Self-Concept Clarity Scale, Nepean Dysphoria Scale and Situational Dysphoria Scale. The data was analyzed by means of path analysis. The results showed that perfectionism and procrastination in the form of a model can predict situational dysphoria and therefore the borderline personality traits which are manifestation of underlying background dysphoria. In addition, the moderating role of identity disorder in exacerbating these conditions was also confirmed. According to the findings of this study, it is suggested that in treatment planning for people with higher borderline personality traits, the elements of negative perfectionism and procrastination should be considered as meta-diagnostic processes. Besides, the evaluating of identity coherence in these patients, should be given a special attention