Hopelessness in Family Members of People with Borderline Personality Disorder
Author Information
Author(s): Joyce Mary, Kells Mary, Boylan Emily, Corcoran Paul, Power Bláthín, Wall Stephanie, Flynn Daniel
Primary Institution: National Suicide Research Foundation, Cork, Ireland
Hypothesis
Family members of individuals with borderline personality disorder experience significant levels of hopelessness.
Conclusion
Most participants reported minimal or mild levels of hopelessness before and after the Family Connections program, with no significant change in scores.
Supporting Evidence
- 82% of participants reported scores within the 'minimal' or 'mild' ranges of hopelessness before the program.
- The mean hopelessness score for all participants before the program was 4.61, considered mild.
- Participants aged 60-70 reported higher levels of hopelessness compared to younger groups.
- Participants who completed the program showed no significant change in hopelessness scores.
Takeaway
Family members of people with borderline personality disorder often feel a little hopeless, but a support program didn't change that feeling much.
Methodology
Participants completed questionnaires measuring hopelessness, burden, and grief at four time points during a 12-week Family Connections program.
Potential Biases
Participants may have been more hopeful than those who did not attend the program.
Limitations
The study lacked randomization and a control group, and the sample size was small.
Participant Demographics
Participants included 29 men and 46 women, primarily parents aged 22 to 70 years.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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