Graduate Research Papers

Availability

Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Abstract

Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is a psychiatric diagnosis associated with extreme behaviors including repeated suicide attempts, emotional instability, distorted thinking, and difficulty controlling impulses (American Psychiatric Association, 1994). In addition, a history of childhood physical and sexual abuse is commonly associated with BPD (Murray, 1993). This history of abuse and rigid thinking are characteristics of this disorder associated with suicide attempts (Brown & Anderson, 1991). As a result, suicidal crises are common with BPD patients. Although traditional treatment methods decrease the number of suicidal attempts, they are moderately effective in decreasing suicidal ideation (McGlashan, 1986). Suicidality is characterized by a sense of hopelessness, that nothing can change (Maris, Berman, & Silverman, 2000). This sense of hopelessness can be modified through spirituality and may decrease the number of suicide attempts. By instilling hope through spirituality, these individuals can modify their behaviors and thoughts that promote suicide (Yahne & Miller, 1999). The purpose of this paper is to introduce spirituality as an adjunct to traditional treatment methods to reduce suicide. BPD characteristics and diagnosis will be described first followed by current treatment options. Spirituality as a means to instilling hope will be recommended as an adjunctive treatment method.

Year of Submission

2001

Degree Name

Master of Arts

Department

Department of Educational Leadership and Postsecondary Education

First Advisor

Wanpen Murgatroyd

Comments

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Date Original

2001

Object Description

1 PDF file (22 leaves)

Language

en

File Format

application/pdf

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