Citation

Hoffman PD, Fruzzetti AE, Buteau E. J. Ment. Health 2007; 16(1): 69-82.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2007, Informa Healthcare)

DOI

10.1080/09638230601182052

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Few methodologically sound studies have been conducted to facilitate the understanding of relationships in families with a member suffering from severe personality disorders. Because of severity, symptomatology, and high rates of co-occurring disorders, borderline personality disorder (BPD) particularly affects family members and others in their social environment. However, there are few interventions available to address the needs of these family members.

AIM: To report on a replication and extension study of ©Family Connections (FC), a 12-week community-based BPD education program for family members.

METHOD: FC participants (N = 55) were assessed pre, post and at 3-month post program follow-up on: (i) levels of change in family well-being outcomes: burden, grief and empowerment; and (ii) differences between male and female participants in these outcomes.

RESULTS: Findings from the original FC study were replicated and extended: Participants showed significant improvements on all well-being variables, including significant reductions in depression. Outcomes for male vs. female participants were comparable at program completion except for grief, on which women remained higher than men despite significant improvements for both.

CONCLUSION: BPD family members experience significant distress but benefited from this semi-structured group program led by family members.

FINDINGS support the use of the FC program. Declaration of interest: None. © Shadowfax Publishing and Informa UK Ltd.

Language: en

Keywords

adult; human; cognition; female; male; aged; incidence; family; depression; sex difference; anger; stress; education; suicide attempt; Borderline personality disorder; psychoeducation; article; major clinical study; controlled study; personality disorder; Personality disorders; statistical significance; grief; methodology; borderline state; correlation analysis; skill; analysis of variance; mental health care personnel; Community-based program; Family members