Borderline Personality Disorder: The Frequency of Disclosure and the Choice to Disclose

Borderline Personality Disorder: The Frequency of Disclosure and the Choice to Disclose by Laci Rumpza MA, Saint Mary’s University, 2005 BS, Saint Thomas University, 2000 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Clinical Psychology Walden University February 2015 Abstract In the particular case of borderline personality disorder (BPD), the literature on disclosure indicates that professionals often choose not to disclose. The first purpose of the study was to identify what percentage of licensed psychologists and licensed clinical social workers disclose the diagnostic label BPD to their patients. Another purpose was to identify factors that influence disclosure and a third purpose was to gather phenomenological data about the choice to disclose or not to disclose. A sequential explanatory mixed methods design including an online survey and a telephone interview was used to collect data. The MUM effect was used as the theoretical framework. A total of 177 participants completed the survey. The majority of participants in this sample stated that they either always or usually disclose diagnostic information. Only a few stated that they rarely or never disclose. Multiple linear regression analyses were used to predict if there was a significant relationship between the independent variables concerns for self, concerns for the patient, societal norms, gender of the professional, professional occupation, theoretical orientation, and frequency of working with individuals diagnosed with BPD and the dependent variable disclosure. The results demonstrate that concerns for the patient, concerns for self, societal norms, gender of the professional, and frequency of working with individuals diagnosed with BPD impact disclosure. Participants also expressed concerns about the stigma of the diagnosis and disclosure leading to defensiveness or negatively impacting the therapeutic relationship. Disclosure has been found improve treatment outcomes. This study may stimulate future research into appropriate disclosure methods and the impact of disclosure on patients.In the particular case of borderline personality disorder (BPD), the literature on disclosure indicates that professionals often choose not to disclose. The first purpose of the study was to identify what percentage of licensed psychologists and licensed clinical social workers disclose the diagnostic label BPD to their patients. Another purpose was to identify factors that influence disclosure and a third purpose was to gather phenomenological data about the choice to disclose or not to disclose. A sequential explanatory mixed methods design including an online survey and a telephone interview was used to collect data. The MUM effect was used as the theoretical framework. A total of 177 participants completed the survey. The majority of participants in this sample stated that they either always or usually disclose diagnostic information. Only a few stated that they rarely or never disclose. Multiple linear regression analyses were used to predict if there was a significant relationship between the independent variables concerns for self, concerns for the patient, societal norms, gender of the professional, professional occupation, theoretical orientation, and frequency of working with individuals diagnosed with BPD and the dependent variable disclosure. The results demonstrate that concerns for the patient, concerns for self, societal norms, gender of the professional, and frequency of working with individuals diagnosed with BPD impact disclosure. Participants also expressed concerns about the stigma of the diagnosis and disclosure leading to defensiveness or negatively impacting the therapeutic relationship. Disclosure has been found improve treatment outcomes. This study may stimulate future research into appropriate disclosure methods and the impact of disclosure on patients. Borderline Personality Disorder: The Frequency of Disclosure and the Choice to Disclose by Laci Rumpza MA, Saint Mary’s University, 2005 BS, Saint Thomas University, 2000 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Clinical Psychology Walden University February 2015 Dedication This dissertation is dedicated to my significant other, Nick. Thank you for always supporting my dreams and reminding me throughout that I am intelligent, strong, and persistent. It is also dedicated to my parents who taught me the value of education. A special thank my parents for your encouragement and for believing in me. Lastly, to my sisters who have always loved and supported me and to my nieces who I hope will successfully purse their own dreams in the future. Acknowledgments I could not have completed this dissertation without the support and guidance from my dissertation committee. I would like to thank my chair, Dr. Pamela Jennings, who played a monumental role in the completion of this project. She has been a consistent source of wisdom. Dr. Jennings’s expertise about the dissertation process was fundamental to my successful completion of this project. Dr. Thomas Russo served not only as a committee member but also as an excellent support. I am grateful for the attention these members provided to my study, which enabled me to remain focused on this project. Also, thank you to Dr. Tracy Mallett, my university research reviewer. She ensured I met the high standards of Walden University. I am grateful to my employer, who has been supportive in many ways. My employer accommodated my practicum and internship. I appreciate the support from many of my colleagues who motivated me and volunteered their time and expertise. I am especially grateful to Ann Sparks, who has been a mentor for several years and played a monumental role in my decision to get my PhD. I am forever grateful to all those who participated in the study. Lastly, thank you to everyone else I did not mention but contributed in some fashion to the successful completion of this dissertation.