Sexual behaviour and borderline personality disorder among female psychiatric inpatients

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the present study was to explore various facets of sexual behaviour in those with borderline personality disorder (BPD). METHOD: Using a cross-sectional approach and a sample of convenience, we surveyed 126 female psychiatric inpatients regarding their sexual histories as well as BPD symptoms on two self-report measures. RESULTS: Compared to participants who were not positive on both measures of BPD (the nonBPD group; n = 52), those who were positive on both measures (the BPD group; n = 70) reported a greater number of sexual partners, and were more likely to report having been raped by a stranger and having been coerced to have sex. There were no between-group differences with regard to age at menarche, age of first intercourse, total number of times treated for a sexually transmitted disease, having experienced date rape or rape by a partner, or having had homosexual experiences. CONCLUSIONS: The psychological themes associated with the positive findings in this study appear to reflect both impulsivity and victimization - psychological themes that are evident in other behaviours in those with BPD.