Loneliness, social networks, and social functioning in borderline personality disorder.

Abstract

Persistent loneliness is often reported by patients with borderline personality disorder (BPD). However, empirical studies investigating this aspect of BPD psychopathology are sparse. Studies from social psychology revealed that social isolation and low social functioning contribute to loneliness, that is, the subjective feeling of being alone. The aim of the present study was to contribute to the understanding of loneliness in BPD by investigating its relation to social isolation and functioning in different domains of life. Subjective experience of loneliness was measured in 80 women (40 BPD patients, 40 healthy controls) with the UCLA Loneliness Scale. Social isolation and social functioning were assessed with the Social Network Inventory and the Social Functioning Scale. In addition, we assessed global functioning with the Global Assessment of Functioning. BPD patients reported stronger feelings of loneliness compared to healthy participants. In general, the level of loneliness was linked to network size, social engagement, and prosocial behavior. Diversity of social networks and functioning in the domain of interpersonal communication were associated with the level of loneliness only in BPD. A reduced variety of roles in social life together with impairments in interpersonal communication were particularly relevant for the experience of loneliness in BPD, suggesting an indirect path to target this psychopathological feature in therapeutic interventions. However, both social isolation and social functioning were not sufficient to explain the severely increased loneliness experienced by these patients, stressing the need for further investigation of determinants of loneliness in this clinical population. (PsycINFO Database Record

Why go to the emergency department? Perspectives from persons with borderline personality disorder

“…; Liebke et al . ; Sagan ), and our participants reported seeking connections with others through emergency services in response to this emotion. Persons with BPD are more socially isolated; they display fewer diverse roles within their social networks and have lower social functioning than the general population (Liebke et al .…”

“…Persons with BPD are more socially isolated; they display fewer diverse roles within their social networks and have lower social functioning than the general population (Liebke et al . ). Research findings suggest that even after controlling for these factors, persons with BPD continue to feel lonelier than others (Liebke et al .…”

“…Research findings suggest that even after controlling for these factors, persons with BPD continue to feel lonelier than others (Liebke et al . ). Clearly, this loneliness is a deep‐rooted and complex issue and persons with BPD need opportunities to engage in and practice healthy, positive social interactions (Hong ; Morris et al .…”

“…Feelings of intense loneliness for persons with BPD is a well-studied phenomenon (Hauschild et al 2018;Liebke et al 2017;Sagan 2017), and our participants reported seeking connections with others through emergency services in response to this emotion. Persons with BPD are more socially isolated; they display fewer diverse roles within their social networks and have lower social functioning than the general population (Liebke et al 2017). Research findings suggest that even after controlling for these factors, persons with BPD continue to feel lonelier than others (Liebke et al 2017).…”

“…Persons with BPD are more socially isolated; they display fewer diverse roles within their social networks and have lower social functioning than the general population (Liebke et al 2017). Research findings suggest that even after controlling for these factors, persons with BPD continue to feel lonelier than others (Liebke et al 2017). Clearly, this loneliness is a deep-rooted and complex issue and persons with BPD need opportunities to engage in and practice healthy, positive social interactions (Hong 2016;Morris et al 2014).…”