1. Case Study #1 Susan and Ken, both 29 years old,
Case Study #1 Susan and Ken, both 29 years old, met in a bar. They talked for a couple of
hours, during which time Susan disclosed “her entire life story.” She was very expressive
about her interest in Ken and repeatedly said things that made him feel as if he was the
most wonderful man she had ever met. At the end of the evening, Susan went back with Ken
to his apartment. After they had sex, Susan told him she felt she was in love with him, that
he was the man of her dreams, and that she could not believe she was in a relationship with
someone like him. The intensity of her behavior made Ken uneasy, and he got her to leave
by saying he would call her the next day—even though he had no intention of doing so. They
had exchanged phone numbers at the bar, and the next day Susan called him. He told her
that he did not think it was a good idea for them to see each other again. She became angry
and started screaming, calling him very demeaning names. He hung up on her. Over the next
several days, Susan left 12 messages on his voicemail and texted him repeatedly, vacillating
between apologizing for her behavior and being angry, insulting, and threatening. The calls
and texts continued, and she began stalking him, showing up at his home and place of work.
Ken eventually obtained a restraining order. Identify the case study you selected. Explain
what features of borderline personality disorder the primary character exhibits. Explain
how the concept of splitting is demonstrated, and describe the role that empathy plays in
the splitting. Explain challenges a forensic psychology professional might have when
working with individuals with borderline personality disorder.
