Borderline Personality Disorder and attachment styles in adulthood

The aim of this review is to look into the existing literature on Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) and on the different attachment styles to investigate the intricate relationship between this disorder and attachment styles in adulthood. Specifically, it will examine how early attachment experiences influence the development of BPD symptoms and the manifestation of specific attachment patterns in adulthood. BPD is a complex mental disorder characterized by pervasive instability in interpersonal relationships, self-image, and affect, often leading to significant distress and impairment in daily functioning. Attachment styles contribute, even if to different extents, to the maintenance and expression of symptoms of BPD. It is very common for individuals with BPD to have an insecure form of attachment (anxious or avoidant), with remarkable implications for their social and romantic relationships. Another aspect that will be analyzed is that of the use of social media by individuals with BPD, to try and understand the mechanisms that tie BPD to problematic social media use and how. To date, the number of studies that analyze the relationship between BPD and social media use are rather limited, which is why this should be a focal point for future research. Eventually, the results of the review explore potential therapeutic implications of understanding attachment styles in people with BPD, offering insights into how interventions targeting attachment-related vulnerabilities may enhance treatment outcomes for individuals with BPD.