Executive Functioning Profiling of Individuals with Borderline Personality Disorder: Association with Impulsive Behaviour and Social Functioning

Abstract

This cross-sectional study examined the executive functioning profile of individuals with borderline personality disorder. A secondary objective was to assess the association of executive functions with impulsive behavior and social functioning. There were two phases in the study. In phase I translation of impulsive behavior and social functioning scale was done to avoid cultural discrepancy. In phase II, the main study was conducted. Purposive sampling techniques were used for data collection (BPD=150, Controls=200) with matched age, gender, and education. Impulsive behavior and social dysfunctioning were assessed using the short impulsive behavior scale and social functioning questionnaire. The high score on the social functioning questionnaire showed poor social functioning. The executive functioning tests of working memory cognitive flexibility, and inhibition were evaluated by using performance tests. Data analysis was performed using SPSS for the interpretation of data. Regression analysis and t-tests assessed the prediction and differences between groups. Findings showed that individuals with borderline personality had lower scores on executive functioning measures than controls. They made more errors and took more time than controls. The executive functioning measures negatively predicted impulsive behavior and social functioning. In conclusion, the life of borderline personality could be improved by managing their impulsiveness and social dysfunction behavior.