BPD Through the Five Factor Model
Symbolically, we may think of borderline personality disorder as a shattered mirror. The shards of glass reflect a distorted self-concept, unregulated emotional reactions, and unstable interpersonal dynamics that characterize the disorder. The model of the five factors, also known as the Big Five, is among the established trait frameworks for understanding borderline personality disorder. It is said by Samuel and Widiger (2008) that borderline individuals generally score high on neuroticism, which indicates emotional reactivity, anxiety, and vulnerability. Low conscientiousness and agreeableness, which can show up as impulsivity, mistrust, and trouble controlling emotions and behavior, are also linked to BPD (Hopwood et al., 2013).
However, there is a chance that using the FFM to analyze BPD will dehumanize, objectify, and decontextualize a highly traumatic lived experience. Disguising the underlying trauma, attachment wounds, systemic invalidation, and interpersonal violence, the traits themselves—especially neuroticism—become fixed, unalterable labels. The mirror is not just shattered – invisible hands drop it, for survivors of early relational trauma, instability, and unpredictability become internalized as an aspect of self-identity, contributing to chronic abandonment fears, self-harming behaviors, and a core sense of not belonging anywhere.
On the other hand, if one were to symbolize BPD as understood through the lens of the FFM, it could be visualized as a kaleidoscope. Each of the five traits is a colored shard of glass that shifts and changes in response to patterns in the context of interpersonal triggers and personal history.
The FFM’s dimensional conceptualization of personality is one of its advantages, which can be used to develop individualized treatment programs that emphasize particular trait profiles. Its omission is a flaw, though, as the model fails to recognize the root of pain or the possibility of relationship restoration.
Trauma-informed care that promotes emotion regulation skills, rebuilds trust, and validates the survivor’s story is essential to therapeutic change. The kaleidoscope must be handled carefully, and its seeming disorder must not be criticized.
References
Hopwood, C. J., Thomas, K. M., Markon, K. E., & Bleidorn, W. (2013). DSM-5 personality traits and the Five-Factor Model: An empirical comparison. Journal of Personality Disorders, 27 (2), 169–183. https://doi.org/10.1521/pedi.2013.27.2.169
Samuel, D. B., & Widiger, T. A. (2008). A meta-analytic review of the relationships between the Five-Factor Model and DSM-IV-TR personality disorders: A facet level analysis. Clinical Psychology Review, 28 (8), 1326–1342. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cpr.2008.07.002
The Unquiet Attachment 