Affect dysregulation, adult attachment problems, and dissociation mediate the relationship between childhood trauma and borderline personality disorder symptoms in adulthood

Relationships between overall childhood trauma and BPD symptoms in adulthood through three mediators i.e., affect dysregulation, fear-based attachment schemas and dissociation were found, over alternative models distinguishing types of perpetrator, nature of trauma, and developmental epoch. These findings contribute to and replicate a substantial research base that highlights sexual trauma in early childhood and severe attachment insecurity (and disorganization) as contributors to adult BPD. Prospective studies are needed to elucidate the complex relationships between childhood trauma and BPD.