Citation

Li YH, Wang GF, Yuan MY, Chang JJ, Wang SJ, Cao LL, Li Y, Su PY. J. Affect. Disord. 2022; ePub(ePub): ePub.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2022, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.jad.2022.07.028

PMID

35878835

Abstract

BACKGROUND: A strong link between childhood maltreatment (CM) and borderline personality features (BPF) has been consistently demonstrated. However, little is known about the role of psychological adjustment (PA) as a mediator of this relationship. The purpose of the study was to explore the mediating role of PA in the CM-BPF linkage in a large sample of early adolescents.

METHODS: A total of 5724 students (mean age = 13.5, SD = 1.0) were recruited from three middle schools by using the multistage random cluster sampling method in Anhui Province, China. Participants were required to complete self-report questionnaires regarding CM experience, self-perceived PA and BPF. Mediation analyses were computed via structural equation modelling.

RESULTS: CM victimization was positively associated with BPF, and individuals with lower levels of PA were more likely to present with BPF. Mediation analysis showed a significant indirect effect of CM on BPF via PA (effect = 0.047, 95 % CI: 0.035, 0.058). LIMITATION: The cross-sectional design of this study did not allow testing causality. The retrospective investigation of CM history could cause recall bias.

CONCLUSIONS: PA partially mediates the relationship between CM and BPF. These findings have important implications for considering PA as a protective factor in this relationship.

Language: en

Keywords

Childhood maltreatment; Early adolescents; Borderline personality features; Psychological adjustment