Citation

Paris J, Lis E. Transcult. Psychiatry 2013; 50(1): 140-151.

Affiliation

McGill University.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2013, McGill University, Publisher SAGE Publishing)

DOI

10.1177/1363461512468105

PMID

23222803

Abstract

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a common and severe clinical problem. While cross-cultural research suggests that this condition can be identified in different societies, indirect evidence suggests that BPD and some of its associated symptoms (suicidality and self-harm) have a higher prevalence in developed countries. If so, sociocultural and historical mechanisms may have influenced the development of the disorder. While the vulnerabilities underlying BPD are broad and nonspecific, specific symptoms can be shaped by culture. The mechanisms involve the influence of a "symptom bank," as well as the role of social contagion. These trends may be related to a decrease in social cohesion and social capital in modern societies.

Language: en