Katsakou, C;
(2016)
Processes of recovery from Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD): A qualitative study.
Doctoral thesis (D.Clin.Psy), UCL (University College London).
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Abstract
The processes facilitating recovery in Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) are poorly understood. This thesis aimed to explore how recovery is reached, focusing on service users’ perspectives. Part 1 is a qualitative meta-synthesis of findings from 14 qualitative studies exploring service users’ experiences of their treatment for BPD and their recovery journey. The findings highlighted areas of improvement that were important for service users, including developing self-acceptance and self-confidence, controlling difficult thoughts and emotions, practising new ways of relating to others, and making practical achievements. However, it was unclear how change in these areas was achieved. Part 2 is a qualitative study exploring how recovery in BPD is reached through routine or specialist treatment, as perceived mainly by service users, but also by therapists and relatives. Three central processes that constituted service users' recovery journey were identified: fighting ambivalence and committing to taking action; moving from shame to self-acceptance and compassion; and moving from distrust and defensiveness to opening up to others. Four therapeutic challenges needed to be successfully addressed to support this journey: balancing self exploration and finding solutions; balancing structure and flexibility; encouraging service users to confront interpersonal difficulties and practise new ways of relating; and balancing support and independence. Part 3 is a critical appraisal of the challenges encountered in the research process and the ways in which these were addressed. The concept of reflexivity was used as a framework for considering the main issues.
| Type: | Thesis (Doctoral) |
|---|---|
| Qualification: | D.Clin.Psy |
| Title: | Processes of recovery from Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD): A qualitative study |
| Event: | UCL (University College London) |
| Open access status: | An open access version is available from UCL Discovery |
| Language: | English |
| Keywords: | Borderline personality disorder, recovery, qualitative research. |
| UCL classification: | UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > School of Life and Medical Sciences UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > School of Life and Medical Sciences > Faculty of Brain Sciences UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > School of Life and Medical Sciences > Faculty of Brain Sciences > Div of Psychology and Lang Sciences |
| URI: | https://discovery.ucl.ac.uk/id/eprint/1517662 |
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