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Borderline Personality Disorder: The Father's Role in Asian Americans

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Borderline Personality Disorder has been widely studied throughout the years, but research surrounding ethnic minorities and fathers is minimal. This mixed methods study, which has a qualitative foundation, aims to explore and better understand the role fathers play in the development of BPD symptoms in their adult children. The study consists of a total of 12 participants who exhibit BPD symptoms, eight females and four males. Each participant completed three assessments, the ECR-RS, ACE, and PMR. These assessments helped to address the secondary research questions: 1) What is the attachment style of an adult child with BPD symptoms to their father? 2) What is the attachment style of an adult child with BPD symptoms to their mother? 3) What level of exposure to potentially traumatic events (PTE) does an adult child with BPD symptoms have within the first 18 years of their life? In addition, they participated in one semi-structured interview where their childhood, father-child relationship, and family history were discussed. The interview addressed the primary research question: What is the father's role in shaping the development of BPD symptoms among their Asian American children? The researcher analyzed the data and found 10 themes and additional subthemes that help to build theory around BPD etiology when examining the father-child relationship. The results from the quantitative portion of the study help to support the existing literature about the type of trauma individuals with BPD are exposed to and the type of attachment style that is commonly found in this population. However, it also revealed that some participants had a secure attachment style to their mother, while having an insecure attachment style to their father. Limitations and implications for further research and clinical practice is also discussed.

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