The role of poor interpersonal relationships among couples living with borderline personality disorder

Abstract

The study explored the role of poor interpersonal relationships among couples living with a borderline personality disorder. Sound interpersonal relationships are believed to be the core of social interactions and connections. However, borderline personality disorder (BPD) is associated with interpersonal difficulties resulting in the inability to maintain relationships. Interpersonal dysfunction is a core component of BPD that impacts the connectedness of those living with the mental disorder. An exploratory qualitative design using in-depth phenomenological to gain insights about the role of poor interpersonal relationships on couples. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis to obtain underlying themes. Four themes emerged: (1) Couple disengagement; (2) disintegration of the couple's relationship; (3) couple change in patterns of interaction with themselves and others; and (4) the couple yearn for psychosocial support to improve their interpersonal relationship. The study revealed that poor interpersonal relationship affects how the couple interacts, engage, and experience their relationship. Psychiatric nurses play a crucial role in helping couples regain the stability of their relationships, indicating the need for the couples to be supported to improve their relationships.