A constructivist grounded theory of processes of recovery in individuals who have received a diagnosis of Borderline Personality Disorder

Background: Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), also referred to as Emotionally Unstable Personality Disorder (EUPD), remains a contested diagnosis which is characterised by diagnostic ambiguity and stigma. Existing research has started to highlight the importance of understanding recovery as it applies to those who have received the diagnosis and from the perspectives of those with lived experience. Recent research has begun to move beyond symptom-focused clinical definitions of recovery towards more personal and relational understandings. Aim: This study explored the processes involved in recovery as experienced by those who have received a diagnosis of BPD and identified themselves as being in recovery. Methods: The research was informed by the researcher’s ontological and epistemological position and utilised a constructivist grounded theory methodology to explore participants’ subjective experiences. A reflexive approach was adopted throughout the research process. Participants were recruited using purposive and theoretical sampling, and qualitative data were collected through semi-structured interviews. Findings: The analysis generated a series of interrelated categories and subcategories that together formed a theoretical model of recovery as a relationally scaffolded, non-linear and ongoing process of reshaping the relationship to the self and to the meaning of recovery. Conclusion: The findings contribute a novel conceptualisation of processes involved in recovery following a diagnosis of BPD and highlight implications for clinical practice. These involve emphasising the importance of relationally informed approaches that support both connection and the development of individuals’ own resources for recovery.