University of Sussex
Browse
PETFIELD ET AL PARENTING IN BPD ACCEPTED COPY.pdf (507.79 kB)

Parenting in mothers with borderline personality disorder and impact on child outcomes

Download (507.79 kB)
journal contribution
posted on 2023-06-15, 20:55 authored by Lara Suzanne Petfield, Helen Startup, Hanah Droscher, Samantha Cartwright-HattonSamantha Cartwright-Hatton
Question This systematic review explores two questions: what parenting difficulties are experienced by mothers with borderline personality disorder (BPD); and what impact do these have on her children? Study selection and analysis Studies had to include mothers with a diagnosis of BPD, who was the primary caregiver to a child/children under 19 years. PsycINFO and MEDLINE were screened (update: July 2014), yielding 17 relevant studies. Findings Mothers with BPD are often parenting in the context of significant additional risk factors, such as depression, substance use and low support. Interactions between mothers with BPD and their infants are at risk of low sensitivity and high intrusiveness, and mothers have difficulty in correctly identifying their emotional state. Levels of parenting stress are high, and self-reported competence and satisfaction are low. The family environment is often hostile and low in cohesion, and mothers with BPD show low levels of mind-mindedness but high levels of overprotection of older children. Outcomes for children are poor compared with both children of healthy mothers, and mothers with other disorders. Infants of mothers with BPD have poorer interactions with their mother (eg, less positive affect and vocalising, more dazed looks and looks away). Older children exhibit a range of cognitive–behavioural risk factors (eg, harm avoidance, dysfunctional attitudes and attributions), and have poorer relationships with their mothers. Unsurprisingly, given these findings, children of mothers with BPD have poorer mental health in a range of domains. Conclusions This review highlights the elevated need for support in these mother–child dyads.

History

Publication status

  • Published

File Version

  • Accepted version

Journal

Evidence-Based Mental Health

ISSN

1362-0347

Publisher

BMJ Publishing Group

Issue

4

Volume

16

Department affiliated with

  • Psychology Publications

Full text available

  • Yes

Peer reviewed?

  • Yes

Legacy Posted Date

2015-07-16

First Open Access (FOA) Date

2016-03-16

First Compliant Deposit (FCD) Date

2015-07-16

Usage metrics

    University of Sussex (Publications)

    Categories

    No categories selected

    Exports

    RefWorks
    BibTeX
    Ref. manager
    Endnote
    DataCite
    NLM
    DC