The Role of Defense Styles and Defense Mechanisms in Prediction of Features of Borderline Personality in Non-clinical Samples

Abstract

AbstractIntroduction: The purpose of this research was to investigate role of defense styles and defense mechanisms in prediction of features of borderline personality in non-clinical samples.Methods: In this descriptive correlation study, 378 undergraduate students (181 males, 197 females) from the statistical population of students from all sections of Arak University during 2015 were selected through cluster random sampling method and filled in the questionnaire of style defense and Borderline Personality Scale. Data analysis was performed using correlation, regression analysis and analysis of variance.Results: The results indicated that features of borderline personality had a significant positive correlation with neurotic and immature defenses, and there was no significant relationship between features of borderline personality and mature defenses. Regression analysis showed that immature defenses could predict features of borderline personality. The results also revealed, five defenses (acting out, autistic fantasy, splitting, passive aggression and displacement) could predict features of borderline personality.Conclusion: Based on the results of the present stud, it can be concluded that immature defenses predicted higher levels of features of borderline personality.