This study is a mixed-methods, single-arm cross-sectional study comprising 1) a qualitative, exploratory, critical-constructivist content analysis examining the significance of gender in relationship experiences and self-perception among individuals with borderline personality disorder and various gender identities, and 2) a pilot study on the use of the Single-Category Implicit Association Test (SC-IATs, adapted from von Hippel et al., 2018) as preparation for a larger-scale experimental psychological study using the SC-IAT to assess implicit gender- and BPD-related thought processes in people with borderline personality disorder and various gender identities.
15 individuals with BPD and different gender identities will be assessed. The research questions are:
1. What gender-related relationship- and self-experiences can be identified in people with BPD? How do experiences relate to observer-coded and self-reported mentalization ability, as well as self-reported symptoms, experiences of stigmatization, and quality of life?
2. Is there preliminary evidence that Single-Category Implicit Association Tests (SC-IATs) are suitable and reliable instruments for measuring implicit gender- and BPD-related thought processes in people with BPD?
Eligibility
Sex
ALL
Min age
18 Years
Max age
65 Years
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion Criteria:
1. Signed informed consent form
2. Individuals of all genders (target: n=5 with female gender identity, n=5 with nonbinary/trans\*/gender-non-conforming (TGNC) gender identity, n=5 with male gender identity) between the ages of 18 and 65 at the time of consent
3. Individuals with a BPD diagnosis made within the last 2 years (ICD-10: F60.3; DSM-5: 301.83, ICD-11: Borderline qualifier)
4. Understanding of the study procedure, ability and willingness to participate
5. The participant is able to read and understand the informed consent form and can provide a written, personally signed, and dated informed consent form.
Exclusion Criteria:
1. Acute suicidal ideation or acute psychotic symptoms reported by the patient or suspected
2. Insufficient language skills (i.e., knowledge of German or English)
Primary outcome measure(s)
Role of Gender in BPD — At baseline Categories and themes derived from Grounded Theory qualitative content analysis of semi-structured interviews with individuals diagnosed with BPD, capturing experiences of gender in relation to self and interpersonal relationships including structural power dynamics
SC-IAT score — At baseline D-score derived from SC-IAT reaction times (ratio of mean reaction times between experimental blocks), reflecting the strength of implicit associations.
SC-IAT Stimulus Accuracy — At baseline Proportion of correct responses per stimulus and proportion of correct responses across all trials.
SC-IAT Internal Consistency — At baseline Internal consistency of each SC-IAT, assessed via split-half reliability or comparable coefficient.
Intercorrelation of SC-IAT D-Scores — At baseline Correlation coefficients between D-scores across SC-IAT versions, assessed as indicator of multicollinearity.
Trial sites (1)
Facility
City
Region
Status
Institute for Psychosocial Prevention and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Heidelberg
Heidelberg
Germany
Recruiting
More University Hospital Heidelberg trials in Germany
This page summarises publicly available registry data for informational purposes — not medical advice. Eligibility is determined by each study team; patients should discuss participation with their clinician.
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