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How does stigma impact acts of compassion among people with borderline personality disorder

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  30 January 2025

Catrin Street-Mattox Open the ORCID record for Catrin Street-Mattox [Opens in a new window] ,
Matthew R. Broome ,
Fiona Ng ,
Lowri Griffiths  and
Gerald Jordan Open the ORCID record for Gerald Jordan [Opens in a new window]
Catrin Street-Mattox
Affiliation:
Institute for Mental Health, School of Psychology, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
Matthew R. Broome
Affiliation:
Institute for Mental Health, School of Psychology, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK Birmingham Women’s and Children’s NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
Fiona Ng
Affiliation:
Institute of Mental Health, School of Health Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
Lowri Griffiths
Affiliation:
Institute for Mental Health, School of Psychology, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
Gerald Jordan*
Affiliation:
Institute for Mental Health, School of Psychology, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK Centre for Urban Wellbeing, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
*
Corresponding author: Gerald Jordan; Email: g.jordan@bham.ac.uk
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Abstract

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a highly stigmatised mental disorder. A variety of research exists highlighting the stigma experienced by individuals with BPD and the impacts of such prejudices on their lives. Similarly, much research exists on the benefits of engaging in compassionate acts, including improved mental health recovery. However, there is a notable gap in understanding how stigma experienced by people with BPD acts as a barrier to compassion and by extension recovery. This paper synthesises these perspectives, examining common barriers to compassionate acts, the impact of stigma on people with BPD, and how these barriers are exacerbated for individuals with BPD due to the stigma they face. The synthesis of perspectives in the article highlights the critical role of compassion in supporting the recovery of individuals with BPD, while also revealing the significant barriers posed by stigma. Addressing these challenges requires a comprehensive understanding of the intersection between compassion and stigma, informing the development of targeted interventions to promote well-being and recovery for individuals with BPD.

Keywords

Stigmacompassionempathyborderline personality disordermental health recovery
Type
Perspective Piece
Information
Irish Journal of Psychological Medicine , First View , pp. 1 - 7
Copyright
© The Author(s), 2025. Published by Cambridge University Press on behalf of College of Psychiatrists of Ireland

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