Prominent explanatory models for borderline personality disorder (BPD) are intrapersonal in nature and hold that it is an emotional disorder. However, the empirical support for emotional models of BPD is mixed. Refinements to BPD explanatory models are needed to increase the precision with which BPD can be understood and treated. Drawing on existing theoretical and empirical research in BPD, this manuscript presents the Borderline Interpersonal-Affective Systems (BIAS) model. The BIAS model purports that harmful early life relationships and subsequent conflictual relationships lead individuals with BPD to develop a sensitivity to interpersonal threat in the form of attentional and appraisal biases. Individuals with BPD are posited to 1) experience heightened emotional reactivity specifically to perceived interpersonal threat and 2) engage in destructive behaviors both to regulate increasing emotion and to meet interpersonal needs. We review the empirical support for each component of the BIAS model, along with the role of the cognitions, emotions, and behaviors of significant others in influencing BIAS model processes in individuals with BPD over time. The BIAS model highlights a novel way of understanding and integrating interpersonal and emotional components of the disorder. Key directives for future research and clinical implications are discussed.

边缘性人格障碍（BPD）的重要解释模型本质上是内在的，并认为它是一种情绪障碍。然而，对 BPD 情绪模型的实证支持好坏参半。需要对 BPD 解释模型进行改进，以提高 BPD 理解和治疗的精度。本手稿借鉴 BPD 现有的理论和实证研究，提出了边缘人际情感系统（BIAS）模型。 BIAS 模型声称，有害的早期生活关系和随后的冲突关系会导致 BPD 患者以注意力和评价偏差的形式对人际威胁产生敏感性。患有边缘性人格障碍的人可能会：1）特别是在感知到的人际威胁时，会经历强烈的情绪反应；2）从事破坏性行为，以调节不断增加的情绪并满足人际需求。我们回顾了 BIAS 模型每个组成部分的实证支持，以及随着时间的推移，重要他人的认知、情绪和行为在影响 BPD 个体的 BIAS 模型过程中的作用。 BIAS 模型强调了一种理解和整合该疾病的人际和情感成分的新方法。讨论了未来研究和临床影响的关键指示。