Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) can significantly impact a person's locus of control, which refers to the extent to which individuals believe they have control over their life and the events that happen to them. There are two main types of locus of control:
Internal Locus of Control: Individuals with an internal locus of control believe that they have a significant influence over their life events and outcomes. They tend to take responsibility for their actions and believe that their efforts and decisions can make a difference in their lives.
External Locus of Control: Individuals with an external locus of control, on the other hand, believe that external factors, circumstances, or other people largely determine their life events and outcomes. They may feel more helpless or victimized by life's circumstances and may be more likely to attribute their successes or failures to external factors rather than their own actions.
For individuals with BPD, several factors contribute to their locus of control shifting toward the external end of the spectrum:
Emotional Dysregulation: People with BPD often struggle with intense and fluctuating emotions, which can lead to impulsive behaviors and difficulty managing stress. As a result, they may feel overwhelmed by their emotions, feeling as though they have little control over their emotional responses.
Fear of Abandonment and Rejection: Individuals with BPD often have a deep fear of abandonment and rejection. This fear can lead them to seek validation and approval from others, relying on external sources to feel a sense of self-worth and stability.
Interpersonal Relationships: BPD is characterized by difficulties in interpersonal relationships, including intense and unstable relationships, fear of abandonment, and a tendency to idealize and devalue others. These challenges in relating to others can contribute to a sense of being controlled by the actions and emotions of other people.
Black-and-White Thinking: People with BPD may engage in black-and-white thinking, where they perceive situations and relationships as all good or all bad, without considering the gray areas. This cognitive distortion can lead to a feeling of powerlessness in dealing with complex situations.
Self-Identity and Self-Image Instability: Individuals with BPD often struggle with an unstable self-image and identity. They may have difficulties understanding who they are, which can lead to feelings of helplessness and lack of control over their own identity.
It is essential to understand that the impact of BPD on locus of control can vary among individuals, and not everyone with BPD will experience the same degree of external locus of control. Additionally, with appropriate therapy and support, individuals with BPD can learn coping strategies to manage their emotions, improve their sense of self, and develop a healthier sense of control over their lives.
Therapies such as Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) have been found to be effective in helping individuals with BPD gain better emotional regulation, coping skills, and a more balanced locus of control. If you or someone you know is dealing with BPD, seeking professional help from a mental health provider experienced in treating this condition is highly recommended.