This document discusses a proposed study on the effects of internet peer-support groups on individuals with borderline personality disorder (BPD). BPD is characterized by unstable emotions and impulsivity, and has a high risk of self-harm and suicide. While only 39% of Americans with personality disorders receive treatment, many turn to online peer-support groups, which offer 24/7 support and accessibility. The study hypothesizes that usage of online peer-support groups will positively correlate with coping ability, while social media usage alone may negatively correlate. It plans to survey a random sample of members from several peer-support groups using established questionnaires measuring self-harm, social media use, and BPD emotions to test these hypotheses.

1. Effects of Internet Peer-Support Groups on Individuals with Borderline Personality Disorder
Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)
 Characteristics: anxiety, depressivity, unstable & easily
aroused emotions, impulsivity, and
risk taking behaviors [1]
 high risk of self-injurious and suicidal behavior
 20% of psychiatric hospitalizations
 8%-10% committing suicide
 Only 39% of Americans with a personality disorder have
received treatment in the last 12 months [3]
Social Media Use:
• 2013: people averaged 23 hours a week on social media
• Social media may pose unique risks to individuals with BPD
Online Peer-Support:
• Many online peer support groups are available with
thousands of active members
• Unique benefits:
• 24/7 availability
• Accessibility in remote areas
References
1. American Psychiatric Association. (2012). DSM-IV and DSM 5 criteria for the personality disorders.
2. Kidger et. al. (2012) Self-Harm and Suicidal Thoughts Questionnaire.
3. Lenzenweger et. al. (2007) DSM-IV personality disorders in the National Comorbidity Survey
Replication. Biological Psychiatry.
4. Muscanell & Guadagno. (2012). Online Social Networking Questionnaire.
5. Staebler et. al. (2009) Emotion Scale--Borderline Personality Disorder.
Hypothesis
• Online peer support group usage will be positively correlated
with coping ability
• Social media usage not related to online peer support
group usage, will be negatively correlated with coping ability
Methods
Implications
Sample
• A random sample of 10% of members in 6 online peer-support
groups will be sent an online survey
• A positive correlation between online peer-support group
usage and coping ability offers the possibility of future
incorporation of such groups into the treatment of BPD
• A negative correlation between social media usage and
coping ability would suggest that future resources for crisis
support be targeted to such platforms.
Angelica O’Toole-Fehlmann, John Power, and Jim Grigsby PhD.
Introduction
Survey
Online Qualtrics survey compiled using the following 3 surveys:
• Self-Harm and Suicidal Thoughts Questionnaire [2]
• Online Social Networking Questionnaire [4]
• Emotion Scale--Borderline Personality Disorder [5]