Are “Borderline Defenses” Specific for Borderline Personality Disorders?

The author culls data from two studies to determine if the image-distorting defenses (splitting, omnipotence, devaluation, and primitive idealization) as measured by a self-report questionnaire are used more frequently by borderline personality disorders than other patients. Using the Defense Style Questionnaire, 25 borderlines showed no significant difference in their use of the image-distorting defense style compared to other patients. When defenses were measured by judges rating videotaped clinical interviews, 6 borderlines scored significantly higher on immature and image-distorting defenses than other patients. The author discusses the implications of these results.