Group therapy module to enhance self-esteem in patients with borderline personality disorder: a pilot study

Int J Group Psychother. 2010;60(3):373-87. doi: 10.1521/ijgp.2010.60.3.373.

Abstract

Psychotherapeutic treatments of borderline personality disorder (BPD) often focus on severe behavioral problems. Until now, few techniques have been developed to specifically address low self-esteem in BPD. We developed a 6-session psychoeducative group therapy module to treat low self-esteem in BPD patients. After developing and piloting the therapy module, a controlled outpatient pilot study was performed. Nineteen female BPD patients participated in the group module after discharge from an inpatient DBT program. Twenty-four female BPD patients served as controls. Outcome was assessed by different self-esteem measures. Results showed a greater improvement in self-esteem in the intervention group. The findings suggest that the therapy module is an effective adjunctive treatment in increasing self-esteem in BPD.

Publication types

  • Controlled Clinical Trial

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aftercare
  • Behavior Therapy
  • Borderline Personality Disorder / psychology
  • Borderline Personality Disorder / therapy*
  • Comorbidity
  • Depressive Disorder, Major / psychology
  • Depressive Disorder, Major / therapy
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Patient Discharge
  • Patient Education as Topic
  • Pilot Projects
  • Psychotherapy, Group / methods*
  • Self Concept*