Navigating parenthood in people living with borderline personality disorder: a meta-ethnography
Abstract
Emotional dysregulation, impulsivity, and interpersonal difficulties are some of the severe and debilitating symptoms of borderline personality disorder (BPD). Parenting while living with BPD is associated with high levels of parental distress, which may exacerbate symptoms of BPD and contribute to parental struggles navigating their relationship with their child/ren. This can in turn influence the child/ren’s attachment and behavioural patterns, contributing to the intergenerational transmission of BPD and/or other mental health difficulties. To date, no previous research has systematically reviewed qualitative studies of the experiences of parents with BPD. The aim of this meta-ethnography is to holistically interpret the findings of existing qualitative research and thereby conceptually understand the experiences of parents with BPD and propose supports that would benefit them. Following a systematic search of peer-reviewed research, independent eligibility screening and risk appraisal, nine relevant studies were selected for inclusion. The reviewers read and re-read these papers and identified key concepts for translation. Relationships between the key concepts were identified by the primary reviewer using NVivo, and a synthesis of the translation was performed. Six papers focused on the experiences of mothers with BPD, one on fathers, and two included both. The review identified some key challenges, including the pressure parents with BPD feel to adhere to their own and…
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