Psychology

Social psychology

Psychiatry

Philosophy

Psychosocial

Emptiness

Vocational education

Interpersonal communication

Pedagogy

Psychotherapist

Clinical psychology

Personality

Theology

Borderline personality disorder

Psychological intervention

Dysfunctional family

Impulsivity

Interpersonal relationship

Personality and Mental Health

Background For individuals with borderline personality disorder (BPD), both the reduction in symptoms and the improvement of vocational and interpersonal function (psychosocial function) are important for recovery. Research suggests that some components of BPD make it harder to achieve functional recovery; however, findings are varied and inconclusive. The present study assesses recovery over time in BPD, investigates which symptoms make it harder to function and explores the relationships between these symptoms. Method One hundred ninety‐nine consecutively recruited individuals in psychological treatment for personality disorder were studied over 12 months. Measures of BPD symptom severity at intake were used to predict improvements in social and vocational function at follow‐up. Exploratory modelling was conducted to understand the relationships between symptoms and function. Results Following 12 months of treatment, symptoms and functioning improved. Those who experienced more severe emptiness, impulsivity and self‐harm had worse outcomes. A relationship between chronic emptiness at intake and impaired vocational outcome (days out of work) at follow‐up was found, mediated by severity of impulsivity and frequency of self‐harm. Conclusion Chronic emptiness is associated with dysfunctional behaviours such as impulsivity and self‐harm, and poor psychosocial improvement. Interventions targeting chronic emptiness in those most vulnerable may improve functional outcomes. © 2018 John Wiley &amp; Sons, Ltd.

A 1‐year follow‐up study of capacity to love and work: What components of borderline personality disorder most impair interpersonal and vocational functioning?