On the relationship between emotional intelligence and symptoms of borderline personality disorder

This research was designed to assess the relationship between emotional intelligence and its components with symptoms of borderline personality disorder in a non-clinical population. Inthis descriptive-correlation study 358 students were randomly selected from various faculties of Shiraz University in Shiraz city, south western part of Iran during 2008-9. Emotional Intelligence and symptoms of borderline personality disorder were assessed by Trait Meta Mood Scale (TMMS) and Schizotypal Trait Questionnaire-B form (STB), respectively. Pearson correlation and multiple regression analysis tests were used to analyze data. There was a significant reverse relationship between the general scores of emotional intelligence and borderline personality disorder (P<0.001). Also there were significant reverse relationships between emotional intelligence components (attention, clarity and repair) and symptoms of borderline personality disorder (hopelessness, impulsivity and stress related dissociative and paranoid symptoms) (P<0.001). Multiple regression analysis showed that clarity of feelings is the unique component of emotional intelligence which can predict borderline personality disorder and its factors. Emotional intelligence is reversely related to symptoms of borderline personality disorder and clarity of feelings is capable to predict symptoms of borderline personality disorder.