Interpersonal patterns in borderline personality disorder.

Research has shown that a disturbed capacity to relate to others is a key feature of borderline personality disorder (BPD; e.g., Bender & Skodol, 2007; Gunderson, 2007). However, few attempts have been made to determine if and how this disturbance translates into identifiable core interpersonal patterns. This study investigated the relationship patterns of 68 patients presenting with BPD. Vignettes of interpersonal interactions spontaneously reported by participants were rated using the Core Conflictual Relationship Theme (CCRT; Luborsky & Crits-Christoph, 1990) method. Results of a factor analysis revealed six patterns of interactions: (1) interactions involving the ego ideal; (2) dependent-depressive interactions; (3) receptive interactions; (4) passive-submissive interactions; (5) successful interactions; and (6) sadomasochistic interactions. The clinical implications of these findings are discussed.