Effects of Borderline Personality Traits on the Psychosocial Functioning of Adolescent Girls
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Authors
Mowat, Lisa
Issue Date
2025-06-22
Type
Capstone
Language
en
Keywords
adolescent girls , borderline personality disorder , borderline personality traits , emotional dysregulation , psychosocial functioning
Alternative Title
Abstract
This capstone paper explores the effects of borderline personality traits (BPTs) on the psychosocial functioning of adolescent girls. Drawing on current research, it highlights how BPTs such as emotional dysregulation, identity disturbance, impulsivity, and intense interpersonal difficulties negatively impact key areas of functioning, including social relationships, academic engagement, and mental health. Although borderline personality disorder (BPD) is traditionally associated with adults, emerging evidence supports the validity of diagnosing BPD traits in adolescence, revealing that even subthreshold features are linked to increased distress and impaired functioning. Adolescent girls appear particularly vulnerable due to a combination of biological, psychological, and social factors, including gendered expectations and relational stress. Early identification and intervention are crucial, as adolescence represents a window of opportunity for altering maladaptive trajectories and improving long-term outcomes. This paper concludes with recommendations for developmentally appropriate, evidence-based approaches for whole school and targeted interventions.
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Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 United States
openAccess
openAccess