Interpersonal and Emotional Problem Solving Skills and Parasuicide Among Women With Borderline Personality Disorder

This study examined the predictive relationship between interpersonal & emotional problem solving skills & parasuicide in a sample of 33 chronically parasuicidal outpatient women meeting criteria for borderline personality disorder. Subjects were assessed initially & at 4-month intervals for 1 year. Inappropriate problem solving measured at the 4- & 8-month assessment points was a significant predictor of subsequent parasuicide. Both suicidal & nonsuicidal inappropriate responses predicted parasuicidal behaviour. Active, passive, & self-soothing problem solving strategies failed to predict. (43 refs.)