Role of borderline personality features in the relation between childhood trauma and eating disorder symptoms

Background: Childhood trauma (CT) has been associated with eating disorder symptoms (EDs) and borderline personality disorder (BPD) symptoms. Particularly, specific BPD features such as affective instability, impulsivity, dissociation, self-harm, are a frequent consequence of childhood trauma and co-occur with eating disorders. Previous findings suggested that symptoms of BPD could mediate the relationship between CT and EDs. The aim of this self-report study was to investigate whether there is a relationship between childhood trauma and eating disorder symptoms and whether this relationship is partly explained by borderline personality features. Methods: Four hundred and fourteen individuals completed the self-report scales on CT, BPD symptoms and EDs. Using the PROCESS macro tool, it was investigated whether there was a direct effect of CT severity on overall scores of ED symptoms as well as an indirect effect via BPD symptoms. The role of specific features of BPD were analysed in...Show moreBackground: Childhood trauma (CT) has been associated with eating disorder symptoms (EDs) and borderline personality disorder (BPD) symptoms. Particularly, specific BPD features such as affective instability, impulsivity, dissociation, self-harm, are a frequent consequence of childhood trauma and co-occur with eating disorders. Previous findings suggested that symptoms of BPD could mediate the relationship between CT and EDs. The aim of this self-report study was to investigate whether there is a relationship between childhood trauma and eating disorder symptoms and whether this relationship is partly explained by borderline personality features. Methods: Four hundred and fourteen individuals completed the self-report scales on CT, BPD symptoms and EDs. Using the PROCESS macro tool, it was investigated whether there was a direct effect of CT severity on overall scores of ED symptoms as well as an indirect effect via BPD symptoms. The role of specific features of BPD were analysed in an exploratory manner. Results: Severity of CT significantly predicted EDs symptoms, also after accounting for overall borderline personality symptoms. In addition, there was a significant indirect effect of CT via overall BPD symptoms on EDs. Except for affective instability, indirect effects were found for all BPD features. Conclusion: In the context of previous findings, our results suggested that symptoms of BPD might mediate the relationship between CT and EDs. Given the correlational design of this study that cannot allow causal conclusions, experimental, longitudinal designs should be used in future research to further and deeply understand these associations.Show less

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Role of borderline personality features in the relation between childhood trauma and eating disorder symptoms