Understanding chronic feelings of emptiness in borderline personality disorder: a qualitative study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Chronic feelings of emptiness are significant in the lives of people with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). Feelings of emptiness have been linked to impulsivity, self-harm, suicidal behaviour and impaired psychosocial function. This study aimed to understand the experience of chronic emptiness, the cognitions, emotions and behaviours linked to emptiness, and clarify the differences between chronic emptiness and hopelessness, loneliness and depression.

Methods

This study interviewed people (n = 15) with BPD and used a template analysis qualitative approach to understand their experiences of chronic feelings of emptiness.

Results

Chronic feelings of emptiness were experienced as a feeling of disconnection from both self and others, and a sense of numbne

SUBMITTER: Miller CE 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8351135 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature