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The effects of on-line systems training for emotional predictability and problem solving (STEPPS) on impulsivity and self-destructive behaviors of women with borderline personality disorder

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Abstract

Several cognitive behavioral therapy-based treatments have been joined by Systems Training for Emotional Predictability and Problem Solving (STEPPS). This intervention was developed for patients with borderline personality disorder (BPD). The aim was to explore the effects of On-line STEPPS on the impulsivity and self-destructive behaviors of women with BPD. In this quasi-experimental study, forty women with BPD were included and assigned to control and intervention groups. The data were collected by using Barratt impulsiveness scale (BIS) and Self-destructive Behaviors questionnaire. Both the paired sample t test and ANCOVA were also employed to analyze the data. Seventeen patients with a mean age of 27 years (SD = 4.22), completed the 20-week intervention. There were no significant differences between completers and dropouts in terms of age and the scores of BIS and Self-destructive Behaviors questionnaire. STEPPS program significantly reduced the total scores of the BIS subscales and Self-destructive Behaviors questionnaire in the intervention group (P < 0.001). When the intervention and control groups were compared, the post-test score of attentional impulsiveness was significantly decreased (P = 031/0) in interventional group, but the scores of other subscales of impulsiveness and Self-destructive Behaviors questionnaire were not significantly different (p > 0.05). This study demonstrated the successful implementation of the Online STEPPS program in decreasing attentional impulsiveness in women with BPD.

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Data availability

The datasets analyzed during the current study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.

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Acknowledgements

The authors of the article express their gratitude to all the patients who participated in this study.

Funding

This study was funded by Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences Research Center, Addiction Institute, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran

    Mehdi Pourasghar Arabi, Sina Darvishnia, Seyyed Abdollah Khavari & Fatemeh Sheikhmoonesi

  2. Department of psychiatry, Zare Hospital, Sari, 4815466848, Iran

    Fatemeh Sheikhmoonesi

Authors
  1. Mehdi Pourasghar Arabi
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  2. Sina Darvishnia
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  3. Seyyed Abdollah Khavari
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  4. Fatemeh Sheikhmoonesi
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Contributions

All authors (M.P.A, S.D, S.A.K and F.S.H) agreed on the final manuscript. F.S.H contributed to the concept and design. M.P.A and S.D contributed to data collection and conception, S.A.K contributed to data analysis and interpretation. M.P.A and S.D and F.S.H contributed to the drafting of the article.

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Correspondence to Fatemeh Sheikhmoonesi.

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Arabi, M.P., Darvishnia, S., Khavari, S.A. et al. The effects of on-line systems training for emotional predictability and problem solving (STEPPS) on impulsivity and self-destructive behaviors of women with borderline personality disorder. Curr Psychol 43, 18089–18094 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12144-024-05631-3

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