Borderline personality disorder and related constructs as risk factors for intimate partner violence perpetration

• We review the literature on borderline personality disorder and partner violence perpetration.
• We provide a summary of the operationalization and measurement of BPD and IPV.
• We examine mechanisms of the BPD–IPV association, as well as role of perpetrator sex.
• We provide recommendations for future research and clinical practice.

In this manuscript we systematically reviewed 29 articles from 2010 to 2014 that addressed the association between borderline personality disorder (BPD) and intimate partner violence (IPV) perpetration, with particular attention paid to the role of perpetrator sex. Our primary objective was to provide a summary of (1) the operationalization and measurement of BPD and IPV, (2) mechanisms of the BPD–IPV association, and (3) the current understanding of the role of perpetrator sex related to BPD and IPV. We observed three distinct operational definitions of BPD which are measured in a variety of ways. IPV measurement tends to be more consistent. Further, emotion perception, impulsivity, attachment, and substance use are proposed mechanisms to explain the BPD–IPV relation. The findings regarding potential perpetrator sex differences in the BPD–IPV association are mixed. Finally, we also provide recommendations for future research and clinical practice.