Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy group in reducing engagement in non-suicidal self-injury among borderline personality disorder patients: a time-series investigation
Szilvia Kresznerits, Ágnes Zinner-Gérecz, Mónika Miklósi, Tamás Szekeres, Dóra Perczel-Forintos
preprint DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-4551164/v1 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Non-randomized controlled time-series design |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 50 |
| Population | Outpatients with borderline personality disorder and non-suicidal self-injury |
| Intervention | Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Non-Suicidal Self-Injury (MBCT-NSSI) |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Key points | Following MBCT-NSSI, participants showed significant reductions in non-suicidal self-injury frequency and improvements in mindfulness skills, self-esteem, self-compassion, depression, and impulsivity, but cognitive emotion regulation strategies did not significantly improve. The authors suggest the training may help reduce suicide risk and prevent deterioration, though it is not a replacement for comprehensive therapy. |
Abstract
Abstract Borderline personality disorder (BPD) patients often encounter healthcare system challenges, including stigma and long waitlists, necessitating brief, tailored interventions to reduce suicidal risk and core difficulties. Our study assessed the effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Non-Suicidal Self-Injury (MBCT-NSSI) for BPD patients with non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI). Using a non-randomized controlled time-series design, we evaluated participants' self-reported questionnaires at three points. Out of 158 applicants, N = 50 outpatients completed the training. Baseline assessments showed significant emotional dysregulation, elevated depression, hopelessness, impulsivity, dissociative experiences, and frequent self-harming behavior. Dissociation and impulsivity correlated moderately with NSSI, while non-judgement, non-reactivity, and acting with awareness mindfulness facets showed strong associations with clinical scales. Following MBCT-NSSI, significant reductions in NSSI frequency and improvements in mindfulness skills, self-esteem, self-compassion, depression, and impulsivity were observed, though cognitive emotion regulation strategies did not significantly improve. This study reveals some interconnections between NSSI and psychological factors among BPD patients, and the potential benefits of MBCT-NSSI training. While the training is not a replacement for comprehensive therapy, this focused intervention can have a great impact in reducing suicide risk and preventing deterioration.