The Relationship of Coping Mechanisms to Depression Score and Suicide Risk in People with Borderline Personality Disorder

Abstract

Introduction: Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is associated with a high prevalence of depressive symptoms and an increased risk of suicidal behavior. Approximately 75% of individuals with BPD have attempted suicide, while self- injurious behavior occurs in 17% of young adults and 6% of the general adult population. Psychological stress and coping mechanisms play important roles in these outcomes.
Methods: This cross-sectional quantitative study included 80 patients diagnosed with BPD. Coping strategies were assessed using the Brief COPE questionnaire and categorized into problem-focused or emotion-focused coping. Depression severity was measured using the GRID Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (GRID HAM-D), and suicide risk was assessed using the Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS). Coping strategies were subsequently categorized into problem-focused coping or emotion-focused coping based on the participant’s predominant response patterns.
Results: Problem-focused coping showed a significant positive correlation with suicide risk (p = 0.002; r = 0.386). In contrast, emotion-focused coping demonstrated a significant negative correlation with suicide risk (p = 0.044; r = −0.479). Neither coping strategy was significantly associated with depression scores (p = 0.786 and p = 0.121, respectively).
Conclusion: Problem-Focused Coping is associated with increased suicide risk behavior, while Emotion-Focused Coping is associated with lower levels of suicide risk behavior.