Journal of Affective Disorders ( IF 4.9 ) Pub Date : 2022-07-22 , DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2022.07.028 Yong-Han Li 1 , Geng-Fu Wang 1 , Meng-Yuan Yuan 1 , Jun-Jie Chang 1 , Shao-Jie Wang 1 , Lei-Lei Cao 1 , Yuan Li 1 , Pu-Yu Su 2
Background
A strong link between childhood maltreatment (CM) and borderline personality features (BPF) has been consistently demonstrated. However, little is known about the role of psychological adjustment (PA) as a mediator of this relationship. The purpose of the study was to explore the mediating role of PA in the CM-BPF linkage in a large sample of early adolescents.
Methods
A total of 5724 students (mean age = 13.5, SD = 1.0) were recruited from three middle schools by using the multistage random cluster sampling method in Anhui Province, China. Participants were required to complete self-report questionnaires regarding CM experience, self-perceived PA and BPF. Mediation analyses were computed via structural equation modelling.
Results
CM victimization was positively associated with BPF, and individuals with lower levels of PA were more likely to present with BPF. Mediation analysis showed a significant indirect effect of CM on BPF via PA (effect = 0.047, 95 % CI: 0.035, 0.058).
Limitation
The cross-sectional design of this study did not allow testing causality. The retrospective investigation of CM history could cause recall bias.
Conclusions
PA partially mediates the relationship between CM and BPF. These findings have important implications for considering PA as a protective factor in this relationship.