BORDERLINE PERSONALITY DISORDER: AN INTEGRATIVE BIOPSYCHOSOCIAL PERSPECTIVE ON MENTAL HEALTH

<doi>10.24250/jpe/SI/2026/OC/AC/</doi>

Abstract

Borderline personality disorder is a severe and complex
mental health condition characterised by emotional
instability, impulsivity, identity disturbance, intense
interpersonal difficulties, and an increased risk of self
harm and suicidal behaviour. This article examines the
disorder from an integrative biopsychosocial perspective,
emphasising
the
interaction
between
biological
vulnerability, temperamental and genetic factors, adverse
childhood experiences, attachment disruptions, and
invalidating relational environments. Particular attention
is given to the construction and perception of the self, the
role of abandonment sensitivity, emotional dysregulation,
and dichotomous thinking in the development and
maintenance of maladaptive relational patterns. The article
also analyses the broader psychosocial impact of the
disorder, including stigma, social exclusion, occupational
difficulties, unstable intimate relationships, and the direct
and indirect costs associated with treatment and impaired
functioning. In addition, it discusses empirically supported
psychotherapeutic approaches, including dialectical
behaviour therapy, schema therapy, and mentalization
based treatment. Current evidence suggests that borderline
personality disorder should not be regarded as an
inevitably chronic or treatment-resistant condition.
Structured psychotherapeutic interventions can reduce
symptom severity, improve emotional regulation and social
functioning, and support the development of a more
coherent sense of self. An integrated approach that
combines recognition of vulnerability with personal agency
and responsibility may therefore provide a more balanced and clinically useful framework for understanding and
treating the disorder.