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The Social–Cognitive Basis of BPD: A Theory of Hypermentalizing

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Handbook of Borderline Personality Disorder in Children and Adolescents

Abstract

The aim of the current chapter is to review and discuss the literature on the social-cognitive basis of BPD with the ultimate goal of providing an integrated framework for theory and research. The chapter begins with a description of the behavioral phenotype of disrupted interpersonal relationships in BPD, especially in the context of adolescence, which justifies a social-cognitive approach to BPD. Next, the ever-expanding empirical support for the social-cognitive basis of interpersonal disruptions in BPD in adults and adolescents is discussed. Acknowledging the multi-component nature of the construct of social cognition, and reflecting the three major developmental theories of BPD (Linehan’s biosocial theory, Fonagy’s mentalization-based theory, and attachment theory), this literature is organized by reference to the three social-cognitive constructs most often studied in relation to BPD: emotion recognition, mentalizing (or theory of mind) and trust. After reviewing empirical evidence in support of the relation of these constructs to BPD features, a possible resolution is presented to understand and explain inconsistencies among findings by suggesting a recursive social-information processing model culminating in hypermentalizing in BPD. As such, a framework for future research in the social cognition of BPD is provided by integrating the biosocial, mentalizing and attachment approaches to BPD.

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Recommended Reading

  • Domes, G., Schulze, L., & Herpertz, S. C. (2009). Emotion Recognition in Borderline Personality Disorder - a Review of the Literature. Journal of Personality Disorders, 23(1), 6–19 [Excellent review of emotion recognition deficits in BPD].

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  • Sharp, C., & Sieswerda, S. (2013). The social-cognitive basis of borderline and antisocial personality disorder. Journal of Personality Disorders, 27(1), 1–2 [Special issue on social-cognitive basis of BPD].

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  1. Department of Psychology, University of Houston, 126 Heyne Building, Houston, TX, USA

    Carla Sharp

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  1. Dept. Psychology, University of Houston, Houston, Texas, USA

    Carla Sharp

  2. Dept. Psychology, University of Houston, Houston, Texas, USA

    Jennifer L. Tackett

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Sharp, C. (2014). The Social–Cognitive Basis of BPD: A Theory of Hypermentalizing. In: Sharp, C., Tackett, J. (eds) Handbook of Borderline Personality Disorder in Children and Adolescents. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4939-0591-1_15

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