The urge to fill the void: Emptiness, impulsivity, and mentalizing in the daily life of individuals with borderline personality disorder.

What is it about?

This study examines the link between emptiness and impulsivity in borderline personality disorder (BPD) and whether understanding emotions (mentalizing, Mz) influences this relationship. Emptiness is a core feature of BPD, impacting daily life and increasing impulsive behaviors, yet little is known about its role in real-world settings. Using data from 153 participants (including individuals with BPD, avoidant personality disorder [APD], and healthy controls), the study tracked daily experiences of emptiness and impulsivity over three weeks. Participants also completed a lab-based assessment of Mz. Findings showed that both BPD and APD groups experienced greater emptiness than healthy controls, but only the BPD group displayed higher impulsivity. Emptiness was strongly linked to impulsivity in BPD and healthy individuals but not in the APD group. Notably, Mz did not moderate this association. These findings highlight the central role of emptiness in impulsivity and suggest that more targeted, real-world assessments of mentalizing may help mitigate its negative effects.

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Why is it important?

This study highlights the critical role of emptiness in impulsivity, particularly in BPD. Improving our understanding of these mechanisms could lead to more effective interventions for individuals struggling with emotion regulation and impulsive behaviors.