INTEGRATING SOCIAL COMPARISON INTO THE UNDERSTANDING OF EMOTION REGULATION IN BORDERLINE PERSONALITY

Abstract

Introduction: Theory and research suggest the need to expand research on emotion regulation (ER) within borderline personality disorder (BPD). This research examined the relations of BPD symptoms to interpersonal (venting, reassurance-seeking) and socially-oriented (social comparison) ER strategies (in addition to acceptance and avoidance), and explored the role of trait social comparison orientation (SCO) in these relations. Methods: In Study 1, a nationwide community sample of women completed questionnaires. In Study 2, a university sample of young women completed questionnaires and an online social interaction task (following which they reported on the strategies they used to regulate emotions during the task). Results: Results revealed significant indirect relations of BPD symptoms to venting and reassurance-seeking through trait SCO, reassurance-seeking and social comparison through upward SCO, and the in-vivo use of downward social comparison and avoidance strategies during the social interaction task through upward SCO. Discussion: Results highlight the relevance of trait SCO (particularly upward SCO) to socially-oriented ER strategies among women with heightened BPD symptoms.