Resumen de Early Emotional Memories and Borderline Symptoms: The Mediating Role of Decentering
Julieta Azevedo, Paula Castilho, Lara Palmeira
Several studies suggested that Borderline Personality Disorder is related to early invalidating and harsh environments, characterized by scarce experiences of warmth and safeness, and possibly traumatic shameful memories. On the other hand, the ability to take a stance and not get fused with one’s internal experiences seems to be linked to diminished psychopathology. This study aims to understand the relationship between early emotional memories (of warmth and safeness experiences and shameful traumatic events) and borderline symptoms. Moreover, intends to explore the mediator role of decentering on the relationship between early emotional memories and borderline symptoms in a sample of 304 subjects from general community. Results showed significant correlations between early emotional memories, decentering and borderline symptoms. Additionally, our findings suggest that decentering mediate, at least partially, the effect of early emotional memories on borderline symptoms. Taken together, these findings point out for the importance of promoting decentering abilities with patients presenting borderline features.
