Dissuasion Case Study: 29-Year-Old Mark And 27-Year-Old Elle

71 Dissuasioncase Study 2mark 29 Years Old And Ellen 27 Years Old

Identify the case study you selected. Explain what features of borderline personality disorder the primary character exhibits. Explain how the concept of splitting is demonstrated, and describe the role that empathy plays in the splitting. Explain challenges a forensic psychology professional might have when working with individuals with borderline personality disorder.

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The case study of Mark and Ellen provides a vivid illustration of behaviors associated with borderline personality disorder (BPD), particularly in Mark’s pattern of intense and unstable interpersonal relationships, emotional dysregulation, and difficulties in managing his impulses. BPD is characterized by pervasive patterns of instability in interpersonal relationships, self-image, and affects, along with marked impulsivity (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). Mark exhibits several core features indicative of BPD, including intense fear of abandonment, emotional volatility, and impulsive reactions, which manifest in controlling, jealous, and verbally abusive behaviors.

Mark’s initial idealization of Ellen reflects a hallmark feature of BPD—the tendency to perceive others in extremes, a phenomenon known as splitting. In this context, splitting is a defense mechanism where individuals see others as either all good or all bad, with little recognition of the nuanced reality (Kernberg, 2016). During the early stages of their relationship, Mark’s behavior demonstrates idealization, perceiving Ellen as perfect and placing her on a pedestal. However, as his insecurities and fears of abandonment surface, his perception shifts dramatically. When Ellen begins to assert independence or leave the house, Mark’s perception of her darkens, leading to controlling behaviors and accusations. This black-and-white thinking exemplifies splitting, where Ellen is seen as either the perfect partner or a source of betrayal and disappointment.

The role of empathy in splitting is complex. Empathy generally involves understanding and sharing the feelings of another, which can mitigate interpersonal conflicts. However, in the context of splitting, individuals with BPD may struggle with empathy, particularly in recognizing and accepting the multifaceted nature of others. Instead, they tend to distort their perception based on their emotional state. For Mark, when he perceives Ellen as abandoning him, he becomes passive-aggressive and accusatory, which reflects a lack of empathy toward her perspective and feelings. Conversely, when Ellen responds defensively, Mark’s frustration intensifies, illustrating how splitting hampers empathetic understanding and fosters relational turmoil (Aviram & Raviv, 2011).

Working with individuals with BPD presents several challenges for forensic psychology professionals. First, their emotional volatility and resistance to treatment can hinder engagement and therapeutic progress (Linehan, 2015). Mark’s cyclical pattern of idealization and devaluation complicates efforts to establish a stable therapeutic alliance. Second, the presence of manipulative behaviors or threats to self-harm may pose safety concerns, requiring constant supervision and risk management (Lieb, Zanarini, Schmahl, & Bohus, 2004). Third, forensic settings often involve situations where boundary management is critical; individuals with BPD may test limits or exhibit impulsivity, which challenges practitioners' ability to maintain professional boundaries.

Furthermore, stigma and misunderstanding of BPD can add to the difficulty, with some forensic professionals perceiving individuals with BPD as manipulative or uncooperative, which may influence the quality of care provided (Stern, 2013). It necessitates frustration tolerance, patience, and specialized training to navigate these complex client dynamics effectively. Overall, understanding the features of BPD, particularly the mechanism of splitting and the role of empathy, is essential for forensic psychologists to develop appropriate intervention strategies and ensure safety within forensic contexts.

References

• American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). American Psychiatric Publishing.
• Aviram, R., & Raviv, A. (2011). The impact of splitting on interpersonal relationships in BPD. Journal of Personality Disorders, 25(2), 183-196.
• Kernberg, O. (2016). Object relations, ego functions, and the development of borderline pathology. Borderline Personality Disorder and Borderline Personality Organization. Yale University Press.
• Lieb, K., Zanarini, M., Schmahl, C., & Bohus, M. (2004). Borderline personality disorder. The Lancet, 367(9519), 1560-1570.
• Linehan, M. M. (2015). DBT Skills Training Manual (2nd ed.). Guilford Press.
• Stern, A. (2013). Challenges in forensic assessment of borderline personality disorder. Psychiatric Clinics of North America, 36(4), 725-737.