People with a borderline personality disorder diagnosis describe discriminatory experiences

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Authors

Veysey, Sheree A.

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Degree

Grantor

Date

2014-03-20

Supervisors

Type

Journal Article

Ngā Upoko Tukutuku (Māori subject headings)

Keyword

borderline personality disorder
client experiences
discrimination
health professional interactions

ANZSRC Field of Research Code (2020)

Citation

Veysey, S. (2014) People with a borderline personality disorder diagnosis describe discriminatory experiences, Kōtuitui: New Zealand Journal of Social Sciences Online. 9 (1) : 20-35. NOTE: Based on research from attached 2011 Masters Thesis in Social Practice at the Unitec Institute of Technology prior to leaving the Institute.

Abstract

The psychiatric diagnosis of borderline personality disorder (BPD) attracts considerable stigma. People given this diagnosis may be characterised as manipulative, difficult, attention-seeking or untreatable. This paper describes a New Zealand study where eight people with a BPD diagnosis who self identified as encountering discriminatory experiences from healthcare professionals were interviewed. Themes found included that discriminatory experiences contributed to participants’ negative self image and negative messages about the BPD label were communicated. A self-harm history appeared to be related to an increased number of discriminatory experiences. Connecting with the person and 'seeing more' (beyond an individual’s diagnosis and/or behaviour) epitomised helpful experiences. Additionally, a relationship between stigma and the complaints process was noted. This study privileges the voice of those interviewed and may stimulate thought and discussion for services and health professionals working with this group.

Publisher

Taylor & Francis Group together with the Royal Society of New Zealand

Link to ePress publication

DOI

http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/1177083X.2013.871303

Copyright holder

Taylor & Francis Group together with the Royal Society of New Zealand

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All rights reserved

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