ABSTRACT

Objectives

In this study, it was aimed to examine the relationship between childhood traumas and borderline personality traits by meta-analysis method. In addition, variables that may have an effect on the relationship between childhood traumas and borderline personality traits such as the presence of borderline personality disorders (BPD) diagnosis and the country where the study was conducted were determined as moderator variables.

Materials and Methods

For this purpose, the inclusion criteria were determined and the studies conducted until April 2020-2024 were obtained by taking into account the age of the participants over 18 and the Pearson correlation coefficient. Subsequently, a meta-analysis of 10 studies that met these criteria was conducted. In the study, publication bias, heterogeneity test and moderator analysis results were obtained using the CMA 3.0 (Biostat, Inc., USA) program.

Results

In the study conducted in the fixed effects model, the magnitude of the relationship between childhood traumas and borderline personality traits was determined to be moderate and positive with a value of 0.44. It was determined that the presence of BPD diagnosis and the country where the study was conducted played a moderating role in the relationship between childhood traumas and borderline personality traits.

Conclusion

The findings obtained are expected to guide caregivers and teachers, as well as others who interact with children. To prevent the emergence of borderline personality traits and to take early action in cases of neglect or abuse, it is recommended that regular assessments regarding childhood trauma be administered to children under the age of 18 who are currently in the educational system.