These models suggest the inability to understand and tolerate internal experiences at times can lead to individuals inhibiting any emotional experience, and an associated feeling of emptiness inside. Biosocial models propose that individuals with BPD experience emotional sensitivity and reactivity, in addition to deficits in regulating intense emotions. Theoretical models have linked the experience of chronic emptiness to deficits in self- and object-representations, resulting in a diffuse or unstable identity and disconnection from other people. Ĭhronic feelings of emptiness are significant to the conceptualisation, course and outcomes of BPD. However, there have been recent efforts to increase the understanding of chronic emptiness, with researchers defining it as comprising a feeling of detachment and disconnection from both self and other people. Historically there has been sparse empirical research into chronic feelings of emptiness – perhaps due to the perceived difficulty in defining and measuring what is assumed to be an absence of experience, and the focus on more acute symptomology. In the alternate model of diagnosis in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, Fifth edition (DSM-5), chronic emptiness is understood as a component of unstable self-identity alongside self-criticism and dissociative experiences. Within both categorical and dimensional models of classification, chronic feelings of emptiness is included as a symptom of BPD. Strengthening identity, sense of purpose and vocational and relationship functioning may reduce the intensity of emptiness.īorderline personality disorder (BPD) is characterised by pervasive distress and dysfunction in self and interpersonal spheres. Conclusionsįeelings of chronic emptiness are an important and challenging symptom of BPD which require clinical intervention. ![]() Most participants distinguished chronic feelings of emptiness from loneliness, hopelessness, dissociation, and depression. Responses to feelings of emptiness varied, with participants largely engaging in either impulsive strategies to tolerate feelings of emptiness or distracting by using adaptive behaviours. Feelings of purposelessness and unfulfillment were closely associated with emptiness, and most participants experienced emptiness as distressing. ![]() ResultsĬhronic feelings of emptiness were experienced as a feeling of disconnection from both self and others, and a sense of numbness and nothingness which was frequent and reduced functional capacity. This study interviewed people ( n = 15) with BPD and used a template analysis qualitative approach to understand their experiences of chronic feelings of emptiness. This study aimed to understand the experience of chronic emptiness, the cognitions, emotions and behaviours linked to emptiness, and clarify the differences between chronic emptiness and hopelessness, loneliness and depression. Feelings of emptiness have been linked to impulsivity, self-harm, suicidal behaviour and impaired psychosocial function. ![]() Chronic feelings of emptiness are significant in the lives of people with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD).
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