PSYC 335 Applied Personality Project

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Applied Personality Project Kiara Tilghman PSYC 335 November 2, 2023

Summary and Analysis In the TEDx video "Living with Borderline Personality Disorder," Claire Benedict discusses the idea and problems associated with individuals who have been diagnosed with this condition. During her speech, Claire Benedict mostly shared her own experiences of having borderline personality disorder (BPD). She also shared her experiences with clinical researchers to help raise awareness of BPD in the general public. Claire Benedict discusses her emotional struggles and other differential diagnoses she believed she had before receiving the BPD diagnosis in a little video. Her battle with BPD served as a catalyst for raising awareness of the prevalent signs of borderline personality disorders among the general public. But she also points out that BPD is a complex mental illness that manifests itself differently in each person. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), Claire Benedict characterizes borderline personality disorder. Emotional and mood dysregulation, impulsivity, unstable self-image, and problems in personal and interpersonal relationships are the hallmarks of borderline personality disorder (BPD).She goes on to discuss the effects of borderline personality disorder on personal well being. According to Claire, 10% of reported suicides are linked to borderline personality disorder, and there is a strong correlation between BPD and suicidal ideation. This suggests that the risk of suicide is 50 times higher in BPD patients than in the general population. Claire Benedict lists emotion dysregulation as one of the many signs of borderline personality that she encountered. As Claire describes, varied emotions that fluctuate quickly without a clear reason or trigger are indicative of borderline personality disorder. Numerous aspects of emotional dysregulation, such as a lack of clarity and emotion control, have been linked by numerous researchers to borderline personality disorder.

Dialectical behavior therapy is another topic Claire Benedict addresses in the video as a potential treatment for borderline personality disorder. It has been discovered that this treatment therapy lowers the risk of suicide in BPD patients, which helps to properly manage the disorder. Furthermore, after a full year of treatment, approximately 75% of patients receiving dialectical behavior therapy do not fit the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for borderline personality disorder. To address emotional dysregulation, dialectical behavior therapy employs the opposing action skill. There is a strong correlation between defense and safety and the natural stress reaction. This line of reasoning caused people to react angrily to feelings in order to restore the safety of both the internal and external worlds. But in the face of stressful situations, the opposite response skill enables BPD patients to choose an opposite reaction over their naturally negative one. This helps BPD patients control their intensely negative emotions, such as poor self-image, impulsivity, and anxiety. Claire Benedict also provides an overview of the difficulties faced by BPD sufferers in obtaining therapy. She brought up a report on the stigma attached to a BPD diagnosis conducted by the Ontario Ministry of Health. The results of the study showed that healthcare professionals' attitudes and behaviors were considerably altered when they were diagnosed with borderline personality disorder. These shifts include taking on a compassionate demeanor and making fun of those with BPD and schizophrenia. Moreover, the widely held belief that people with BPD are manipulative has caused medical professionals to distance themselves from their patients, exacerbating the disorder's symptoms. Since the patient believes that healthcare providers do not take them seriously, the barriers are also linked to poor treatment outcomes. The main takeaway from the video is that in order to enhance the treatment outcomes for people with borderline personality disorder, there is a need to raise awareness of the illness

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among the general public and among medical professionals. Additionally, this will greatly lessen prejudice and misconceptions about BPD, assisting patients in accessing medical care. Because it discusses how people differ in how they manage their emotions and how BPD manifests itself in different situations, it also has a lot in common with personal psychology. Some questions, such as whether there are any other effective treatment modalities for borderline treatment therapy, are left unaddressed by the lecture. Considering that people react differently to various forms of medication, this is an essential component of controlling BPD. Research Application The 2014 Journal of Forensic Psychology Practice article "Borderline Personality Traits, rumination, and self-injurious behavior: An empirical test of the emotional cascades model in adult male offenders" was released. This research article explores the function of rumination in the association between self-harming behavior and BPD characteristics. In an analysis conducted by Gardner et al. (2014), the study looked at the function of rumination (also known as the emotion cascade) as a mediating factor between self-harming behavior and features associated with borderline personality disorder in adult male convicts. The researcher intended to look at the generalizability of the emotion model theoretical framework, even though it had previously been shown to have an impact on the relationship between BPD and self-injurious behaviors in the study sample, which consisted of young students. Furthermore, because of their harsh surroundings, lack of self-control, and availability of free time for ruminating, male prisoners are more likely than the general population to engage in rumination. Gardner and his co-author looked into their research question via a cross-sectional study. With 486 convicts in the research population, 41.6% of the responses were male, or 179

prisoners. The participants were held by Her Majesty's Prison Service in a medium-secure (category C) prison located in the United Kingdom. The prisoner's age ranged from 21 to 77 years old, with a mean of 37.70. Participants had served different sentences and had been imprisoned for different offenses. The study employed a set of questionnaires to gather information on self-injurious behavior, rumination, personality diagnostics, and demographics (Gardner et al., 2014). Because the study data was gathered during the lockdown period, prisoners were kept confined to their cells. Those convicts who provided informed consent had their questionnaires distributed over lunch. Because data collection was conducted just once, lasting an average of two hours, participants stayed in the same positions the entire time. Gardner et al. (2014) came to the conclusion that in adult male convicts, the rumination cascade is a statistically significant mediator of dysregulated behavior, including suicide thoughts and acts as well as self-harming actions. The author claims that this data suggests that, in the forensic context, the emotion cascade model may act as a mediator between BPD and dysregulated behaviors. Nevertheless, the study also discovered a direct correlation between study participants' states of rumination and their observation in the jail ACCT because of suicidal and self-destructive efforts. The author goes on to say that there is little study on how emotional cascade mediates emotional and behavioral dysregulation. The researchers do, however, sufficiently stress applying the results to the forensic community. The emotion cascade, according to the authors, should not be widely implemented as it has already been demonstrated in other populations—specifically, forensic populations. Rumination may only have long-term effects on behavior dysregulation, but they also highlight the need for more research to fully grasp this issue. Despite the caution that researchers usually take, empirical research is susceptible to constraints. The research methodology and sample size were the main sources of this study's

limitations. A cross-sectional research design was used by Gardner and associates in their investigation. The research design was justified because it was carried out during the lockdown season, which needed less interaction. Nevertheless, Wang and Cheng (2020) point out that researchers are unable to examine causal correlations between variables when using a cross- sectional study design. This time, the researcher's ability to look into emotional cascades among study populations that were similar was restricted by the cross-sectional research methodology. The study only used a limited sample size of 179 people, which restricts the applicability of the research findings to the entire community. Even yet, the results can still be applied to the study population because they did not agree with previous studies on the connection between rumination and the detrimental effects of BPD. The selection of the data collection instruments is a major strength of this study.Because Gardner et al. (2014) used extremely valid and trustworthy research instruments, the findings can be trusted. These instruments included the Suicide Behaviors Questionnaire, the Anger Rumination Scale, and the Personality Diagnostic Questionnaire. Generally speaking, they are techniques that have been validated and shown to be extremely dependable in earlier studies. The strength of the study is counterbalanced by the limited sample size restrictions, since the participation of rumination in the relationship between emotion and behavior dysregulation and borderline personality disorder is repeatable. The results of this study contribute to our understanding of the mechanism underlying dysregulated behaviors in people with borderline personality disorder. The results of the study suggest that rumination is one of the processes via which inmates and other groups outside the cell engage in dysregulated activities. Lack of coping mechanisms within the cell may cause rumination to persist longer, which could then cause dysregulated behavior and further rumination after suicidality or other self-harming activity, creating a vicious cycle of rumination and self-damaging behavior. With this newfound understanding of human psychology, medical

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professionals can now more effectively argue for the provision of thorough and efficacious treatment therapy to BPD prisoners in order to interrupt the cycle of abuse. The study's findings are consistent with Claire Benedict's TEDx Hope College lecture on borderline personality disorder. According to Claire Benedict, impulsivity, suicidal thoughts and feelings, emotion avoidance, and emotional dysregulation are all strongly linked to borderline personality disorder. The most prevalent symptom, in her opinion, was emotional dysregulation, which can result in self-harming behavior when under duress. Gardner et al. (2014) establish a connection between self-harming activities and the ruminating of negative feelings. Self-harming practices are likely adopted as a result of self-loathing and a bad self-image. Claire's benedictions also revealed that patients with BPD, who exhibit non-suicidal, self-injurious behaviors, developed a self-loathing tendency due to avoidance and sympathy from medical professionals. The purpose of Claire Benedict's lecture was to dispel stigma and misconceptions surrounding borderline personality disorder by raising awareness of the condition. Conversely, Gardner and colleagues discuss the process that leads to dysregulated behavior in BPD patients, which is a typical sign of borderline personality disorder. Personality Theory ● Biological Theory Among the hypotheses proposed to explain variations in individual behaviors is the biological theory. This hypothesis uses a combination of nature and nurture to explain human behavior. Allen (2016) claims that personality traits that are the result of exposure to one's surroundings are referred to as nurture. According to Allen's book, the most important influences on an individual's conduct as an adult are environmental factors, such as exposure during

childhood. Compared to children who were raised in a caring and nurturing setting, those who had abusive parents as parents are more apprehensive and aloof. The genetic propensity for particular actions is described by the nature component of biological theory. Human personalities are influenced by biological elements like genes and internal physiology, claims Haldane (2023). It links scientific facts from brain research and other biological processes with an individual's personality. Aggression is one personality attribute that can be explained by biological theory because it is frequently linked to elevated testosterone levels. Emotional dysregulation is linked to borderline personality disorder. According to Claire Benedict's speech, patients with BPD have abrupt changes in their emotional state. Furthermore, study by Gardner et al. (2014) showed that rumination is one of the processes in a BPD patient that triggers self-harming behaviors like anxiety or suicidality. Patients with BPD cannot stop the emotional cascade linked to the reflection of negative feelings; this is not the situation in the general population. The etiology of BPD is linked to a combination of exposure to a negative experience and malfunctioning of the frontal lobes, according to Karas et al. (2021). The biological theory of personality suggests that variations in biological processes and genetic markers determine distinct personalities, which is at odds with these hypotheses. The relationship between the characteristics of people who have borderline personality disorder and the various potential causes of the disorder is highlighted by this theory. It clarifies why patients may have emotional dysregulation even in the absence of traumatic childhood events, as the emotion regulation cascade is biologically altered in these cases. ● Trait Theory A popular theory of personality, traits theory suggests that a person's conduct is based on where they fall on a continuum of numerous fundamental behavior characteristics. This hypothesis holds that while individual features vary greatly amongst people, they generally tend

to remain stable even in diverse contexts. The major five-factor model, which examines personality using the five dimensions of behavior, is the most well-known characteristic theory. MSEd (2023) states that the five-factor model tracks traits including extraversion, neuroticism, and conscientiousness, as well as openness and agreeableness. This concept states that a person's behavior lies on a continuum between the extremes of a certain trait. In contrast to other trait theories, such Raymond Cattell's model that characterizes behavior in 16 dimensions or Gordon Allport's trait that explains personality in 4000 qualities, this model is frequently employed. Allen (2016) states that one of the other aspects of personal qualities in the paradigm is openness and insight. It speaks to one's willingness to try new things and have fresh experiences. Openness test takers are typically gregarious and eager to try new things. Conversely, conscientiousness is linked to being aggressive, focused on goals, and thoughtful. High conscientiousness scorers are structured, goal-oriented, and detail-oriented. The extraversion dimension is linked to talkativeness, sociability, and emotional expression. While some low-extraversion people like social interactions, others value their alone time. According to MSEd (2023), prosocial actions like tenderness, friendliness, and trust are examples of agreeableness. While Allen (2016) suggests that those with high agreeableness are empathetic, those with low agreeableness lack empathy, exhibit little interest in other people, and are capable of manipulation. Neuroticism, which includes moods, emotional control, and melancholy, is the final dimension. The author claims that whilst those with high neuroticism scores have strong emotional and mood stability, those with low neuroticism scores have emotional instability and mood swings. Additionally, they are more prone to experience anxiety and find it difficult to cope with pressure. Largely speaking, the five big traits of personality are highly correlated with borderline

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personality disorder. Rapid mood swings, low self-esteem, self-loathing, and emotion dysregulation are all linked to BPD. These symptoms have a correlation with qualities related to neuroticism, a dimension involving regulation of emotions. It is difficult for patients with borderline personality disorder to control their emotions or recover from stressful situations since they most likely have high neuroticism scores. They might also score differently on the other dimension, which would make them more prone to emotional dysregulation and a lack of empathy. These theories contribute significantly to our knowledge of the characteristics and behaviors exhibited by BPD patients. ● Expectancy-value Theory This personality theory connects a person's action choice to the outcome's perceived value. According to Allen (2016), people are highly motivated to embrace the expectancy-value model, which explains personality in the aforementioned behavior, when the expected consequence is tied to a high value. based on two ideas. Within the framework of this theory, expectation refers to a person's belief that they have the power to modify their conduct. The idea is strongly linked to the locus of control hypothesis, which postulates that people are driven to change when they have confidence in their ability to do so. Furthermore, according to the expectancy-value model, people are also driven by the importance they attach to the results of their actions. A person's enjoyment of the result is known as intrinsic value, and an individual's perception of the outcome's significance in their life is known as attainment value. Utility value, on the other hand, relates to the value of the outcome to an individual's life (Allen 2016). This idea supports Clare Benedict's speech by emphasizing dialectical behavior therapy as a potential treatment for borderline personality disorder. Asarnow et al. (2021) state that dialectical behavior therapy employs opposite reaction skills, which entail constant practice in

adopting the opposite responses to self-destructive behaviors such extreme negativity and rumination. According to Claire Benedicts, in order to properly master the skills, one must continuously try this reaction. Even after undergoing comparable dialectical behavior therapy programs, some patients manage their emotions better than others. This phenomenon can be explained by the expectancy-value theory. Compared to patients who connect emotion regulation with low value, those who associate emotion control with high value are likely to be more motivated to practice the opposing reaction skill. The comprehension of BPD management is much enhanced by this perspective. Using this paradigm, psychologists can assist patients in placing greater importance on managing their emotions, which will improve their chances of recovery. Reflection Analysis An important mental health condition known as borderline personality disorder is linked to actions that involve self-harm, hate, and dysregulation of emotions. Regarding the difficulties the TEDx talk and BPD patients encounter in society and the medical system, Claire Benedict's speech on Gardner et al. (2014) has provided useful insight. My perspective has improved as a potential university mental health advocate as a result of gaining a deeper understanding. I may better impact mental health awareness initiatives within the organization with the use of this knowledge. My ability to interact effectively with other students, faculty members, and program professionals will also be greatly enhanced by my knowledge of personality theory. It has been easier for me to question long-held beliefs about why people behave a certain way when I am aware of the possibility that someone will act in that manner. It suggests that human behavior is uncontrollable since a theory, like behavioral theory, explains it at the genetic level. I may maintain a new perspective on individuals and build enduring relationships with them thanks to

my comprehension of such a paradigm. I can assess my own behavior and the factors that influence my behavior choices with the aid of the theories. Stronger interpersonal and personal relationships can result from having a better understanding of my conduct and the things that drive it. My past assumptions about the symptoms of borderline personality disorder have been severely challenged by Claire Benedict's speech on the impact of stereotypes and sympathies connected with the disease. I used to think that showing compassion for individuals suffering from mental illness would make them feel understood and enable medical professionals to relate to them on an equal footing. Claire does, however, draw attention to a number of studies that suggest that showing them sympathy had a greater detrimental effect on their ability to control their emotions and actions. I am aware of how critical it is to show compassion for the patient and treat each symptom as seriously as possible, instead of allowing their mental state to cloud judgment. In addition, the learnt personality theory will be useful in the future for better understanding patients. A patient's presentation with varying degrees of emotional dysregulation, which may not always correspond with the prognosis of their illness, might be better understood with the use of theories like trait theory. To better understand the degree of motivation toward treatment therapy, additional theories will be helpful, such as expectancy- value theory. Treatment therapy may be influenced by this, as it may help patients place a higher value on it. In an informal context, these theories will also aid in explaining why some people choose to engage in particular behaviors while others do not. Good interpersonal interactions will result from having a high degree of understanding, both of oneself and others. Concerns are raised concerning the prompt identification of borderline personality disorder, nevertheless, by studies on the mechanisms driving self-injurious conduct in BPD patients and Claire Benedict's speech.

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This type of mental disease is still diagnosed in late adolescence or adulthood, even though personality theory is well understood. To promote optimal treatment results and early intervention, research ought to concentrate on how this disorder manifests in young children and when the illness first appears.

References Allen, B.P. (2016). Personality theories: development, growth, and diversity (5th ed.). Psychology Press. (Course Resource You can find this book on Google Scholar) https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315665115 Asarnow, J. R., Berk, M. S., Bedics, J., Adrian, M., Gallop, R., Cohen, J., ... & McCauley, E. (2021). Dialectical behavior therapy for suicidal self-harming youth: Emotion regulation, mechanisms, and mediators. Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 60(9), 1105-1115. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0890856721000666 MSEd, K. C. (2023, March 11). What are the big 5 personality traits? Verywell Mind. https://www.verywellmind.com/the-big-five-personality-dimensions-2795422 Gardner, K. J., Dodsworth, J., & Selby, E. A. (2014). Borderline personality traits, rumination, and self-injurious behavior: An empirical test of the emotional cascades model in adult male offenders. Journal of Forensic Psychology Practice, 14(5), 398-417. Haldane, J. S. (2023). Mechanism, life, and personality: an examination of the mechanical theory of life and mind. In Scientific and Medical Knowledge Production, 1796-1918 (pp. 145-160). Routledge. https://www.taylorfrancis.com/chapters/edit/10.4324/9781003009450-20/mechanism-life- personality-haldane

Karas, K. H., Baharikhoob, P., & Kolla, N. J. (2021). Borderline personality disorder and its symptom clusters: A review of positron emission tomography and single photon emission computed tomography studies. Psychiatry Research: Neuroimaging, 316, 111357. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pscychresns.2021.111357 Living with Borderline Personality Disorder | Claire Benedict | TEDxHopeCollege. (n.d.). www.youtube.com . https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T_nmznm2clA Wang, X., & Cheng, Z. (2020). Cross-sectional studies: strengths, weaknesses, and Recommendations. Chest, 158 (1), S65-S71. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chest.2020.03.012

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