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The role of positive psychology interventions in improving wellbeing and pathology in patients with borderline personality disorder : a systematic literature review.

Cobben, Cleo (2017) The role of positive psychology interventions in improving wellbeing and pathology in patients with borderline personality disorder : a systematic literature review.

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Abstract:Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is characterized by a persistent pattern of impulsivity, emotional dysregulation, interpersonal conflicts and unstable identities. So far, treatment was mainly focused on diminishing BPD pathology. Positive psychology complements the problem-focused psychology, by focusing on strengths, wellbeing and quality of life. Positive psychology interventions (PPIs) have shown to enhance wellbeing, yet the effectiveness in BPD patients remained unclear. To fill the gap of research, the present review systematically searched for (1) PPIs applied on BPD patients and (2) the effectiveness of PPIs regarding diminishment of BPD symptoms or enhancement of wellbeing. A systematic search was conducted and included studies that targeted patients diagnosed with BPD, described a PPI, and performed at least post-intervention measures of outcomes in BPD symptoms or wellbeing. After screening, eight studies remained, including four (pilot) RCTs. The majority of the studies investigated the effect of mindfulness and showed significant improvement of BPD symptoms and wellbeing. Other PPIs like loving-kindness and compassion meditation (LKM/CM) and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) significantly enhanced BPD symptoms and wellbeing, as well. The observations of this systematic review show that PPIs can contribute by improving wellbeing and giving support to its utility in treating symptoms of BPD.
Item Type:Essay (Master)
Faculty:BMS: Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences
Subject:77 psychology
Programme:Psychology MSc (66604)
Link to this item:https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/73694
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